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PUBLISHED BY
CORRESPONDING OFFICE, EDWARDSVILLE, ILL.
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The reproduction of this book has been
made possible through the sponsorship of
the Jackson County, Illinois, Historical
Society, Carbondale, Illinois.
A Reproduction by Unigraphic, Inc.
1401 North Fares Avenue
Evansville, Indiana 47711
Nineteen Hundred Seventy Three
Binding by
Modern Pre«Binding Corporation
Portland, Indiana
PREFACE.
O the citizens of Jackson County. The publishers of this work
would be pleased to make acknowledgment to such of the parties
Vtho have aided and assisted us in our labors in the making
up and preparation of this volume; especially are we indebted and ac¬
knowledge the same to Prof. James H. Brownlee, of the Southern Illinois
Normal University, who has principally had in charge the editorial
department of the work, ably assisted by President Robert Allyn of the
same institution. These gentlemen, with scholarly ability, have also
carefully prepared the various articles to which their names are attached.
We would also render thanks for the aid and assistance given by Dr.
B. Boon, whose vast store of historical recollections has been called
upon and cheerfully given, also to Prof. Parkinson, Judge U. E. Rob¬
inson, Col. D. H. Brush, George W. Holliday, John Gill, Sen., Judge
Bradley, Berry B. Whitson, Mrs. Henson, Mrs. Worthen, Capt. W. E.
Talbott, Hiram Swartz, Judge A. D. Duff, Judge W. A. Lemma, F. W.
W. Barr, Judge M. F. Swortzcope, Hon. Robt. Beasley, Hon. F. E.
Albright, John Gill, Jr., Peter Kiefer, Dr. James Roberts, A. L. Davis,
Davis Cox, F. M. Tuthill, Hillery Ripley, Prof. Granville, F. Foster,
William B. Pike, Dr. H. C. Hodges, Judge Wm. J. Allen, Col. Wiley
Gill, J. Burr, Hon. J. Banks Mayham, Charles Kirkham, Co. C’lk,
Robert Hamilton, Cir. C’lk, Geo. W. Smith, Esq., and many others who
have been our friends and advisers in this enterprise.
We are under many obligations to the members of the different pro¬
fessions, for the favors conferred by them. From the press we have re¬
ceived tjjat aid which members of the profession so cheerfully render to
one another. We return our hearty thanks to the County officials for
their assistance.
We have confined ourselves as nearly as possible to the original
materials furnished, except, when from necessity, we were compelled to
abbreviate the material furnished, all being of an interesting character.
The public is aware of the great difficulty attending the compilation of
such a work, not so much for lack of material as to the difficulty of
judicious selection. The material has been classified as carefully as pos¬
sible, and will, we are assured, be a great help to the public as a
book of reference, as to the History, Geography, Topography and all
subjects that make up the character of Jackson County. Our work may,
and probably will be criticised, but when it is taken into consideration
the difficulty of proper classification, the crudeness of the material, the
different persons from whom facts are to be obtained, the imperfections
of memory, and the different manner in which facts are detailed, there
can be no doubt but there may be errors and inaccuracies in the work.
But trusting that the Public will believe that we have done the best
under the circumstances, we throw ourselves upon their generosity.
THE PUBLISHERS.
r i.i j* :
CONTENTS
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
PAGE.
The Aborigines . 9-10
Illinois in 1822 .... facing 11
Chapter I. — Pioneers and Early Settlers. . 11-12
Chapter II. — First Territorial Legislator Elec¬
ted — First Senator elected — State Bank Cre¬
ated — First Grand Jurors — License to Sell
Liquors — First County Judge — Clerks —
Sheriffs — Attorneys — Treasurers — Circuit
Clerks — County Surveyors — Senators and
Representatives — County-seat Changed — In¬
debtedness — Flood of 1844 — Muddy Saline
Reservation — The Bar — The Great Rebel¬
lion — Assessments ..... 12-21
Chapter III. — Organization of County — Slaves
brought into County — Militia — Navigation
of Big Muddy River — First Cargo of Coal. 21-25
Chapter IV. — Customs of Early Days— Habits
and Modes of Living of the Pioneers and
Early Settlers — Riley’s Mill — Oldest Deeds
— First Marriage Records .... 25-31
Chapter V. — Early Settlements — First Perma¬
nent Settlement — First Death — First Volun¬
teers . 31-33
Chapter VI. — The War of 1812 — Mounted
Rangers on the Frontier — Indian Depreda¬
tions — Forts Erected ..... 33-35
Chapter VII. — Township Surveyors in 1806 . 36-37
Chapter VIII. — Geography — Number of Sq.
Miles — Number of Acres — Drainage — Soil
—Timber - . 37-39
Chapter IX. — Mineral Products of Jackson
County . . . ... . . 39-40
Chapter X — Agricultural Resources . . 40-41
Chapter XI. — Fauna and Flora . . . 41-48
Chapter XII. — Ecclesiastical History of Jack-
son County — Historical Sketch of the Evan¬
gelical Lutheran Church — History of Pres¬
byterianism— History of First Presbyterian
Church of Carbondale — First Presbvterian
Church of Grand Tower — Murphysboro’
Presbyterian Church — History of Method¬
ism — Oak Grove Methodist Church — Meth¬
odist Episcopal Church of Murphysboro’ —
History of M. E. Church South— Sketch of
Baptist Church— Historical Sketch of Chris¬
tian Church — History of Catholic Church
— Sketch of Catholic Church of Murphys¬
boro’ . 48-56
PAGE.
Chapter XIII. — The Press of Jackson County
— The Jackson Democrat — Murphysboro’
Sentinel — Carbondale Transcript — Car¬
bondale Weekly Times — The Observer
— Jackson County Era — The Independent —
Grand Tower Item — Ava Register— The
Carbondale Democrat . 56-60
Chapter XIV. — Common Schools — School
Fund Established — First Free School Sys¬
tem — School Houses and Furniture — First
House used for a School Room— School Offi¬
cers and Teachers ..... 60-63
Chapter XV. — Historical Sketch of the South¬
ern Illinois Normal University — The Facul¬
ty — Course of Study — Literary Societies —
Academy of Science of Southern Illinois . 63-67
Chapter XVI. — Climate of Jackson County . 67-68
!•
i
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
City and Township of Murphysboro’
“ ‘‘ Carbondale .
Township of Degognia ....
‘‘ Levan .
“ Kinkaid ....
“ Graild Tower
“ Makanda ....
“ Bradley ....
“ Somerset ....
Sand Ridge.
“ Ridge .
“ Ava .
“ Ora .
“ Elk .
“ Big Hill ....
“ Vergennes ....
“ De Soto ....
‘‘ Big Lake ....
PAGE.
69-78
79-83
84-87
88-89
90-92
93-98
99-103
103-107
107-109
110-111
111-113
113- 114
114- 116
116-117
118-119
120-121
122
122-123
Business Notices . . 124
Roster of Enlisted Men ..... 125
List of those who Died in the Late Rebellion . 127
Partial list of PatroDs . 128
Revised Constitution of Illinois . . . 132
Declaration of Independence . . . . 139
Constitution of the United States . . . 140
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
PAGE.
Allen, Wm. J. .
Albright, F. E. .
Andrews, G. W.
Allyn, Robt., LL.D. .
Bradley, Wm., Sr.
Burr, Gilbert J.
Brownlee, Prof. J. H.
Barononsky, Frank .
Broader, Frank A. .
Barrow, Jas. . . ,
Bouscher, Samuel
Beasley, Robt. A.
Bowers, Jacob .
Blue, Uriah
Boon, Benningsen
Crain, Willis
Cross, Thomas J.
Corey, Geo. B. .
Duff, Andrew D.
Duncan, Wm. M.
Dillinger, John.
Downen, James .
Davis, W. H.
Easterley, Elbert S. .
East, John J., (Dec’d)
East, James P. .
Easterly, Aaron, (Dec’d) .
Easterly, John R.
Easterly, Geo. A.
Eakin, N. T.
Easterly, Branner
Fraley, Henry J.
Gill, Hon. John M-, Jr.
Goodwin, Robert
Grosvenor, Parker
Grizzel, A. J.
Grubb, Jackson .
Hamilton, Robt. W. .
Hord, Hon. Thos. F.
Hanks, F. B.
Hill, Geo. W. .
Holliday, S. A. .
Hord, W. H., M.D. (Dec’d)
Hamilton, Archibald.
Hodges, H. C., M.D. .
Hagler, Tillman
Holliday, Geo. W. .
Harris, Washington L.
Ingram, Col. W. T., M.D.
acing
acing
acin
f
acing
facing
5
68
69
70
82
76
\
76
82
95
96
102
108
108
113
115
119
91
105
108
81
86
96
106
108
73
97
97
98
98
98
109
112
89
78
83
91
115
121
72
73
73
74
76
83
86
87
112
115
95
72
6
CONTENTS .
Isom, John C. . .
PAGE.
86
Mansker, W. W. H. .
PAGE.
123
Stephen, K. J .
PAGE.
77
IrahofF, Henry ....
109
O’Hara, Dr. G. M. .
83
Swortzcope, Judge M. F. .
94
Johnston, George W.
85
Pugh, A. R .
. facing
77
Swartz, Jacob . . . .
103
Jones, Aaron ....
92
Parsons, Dr. M. G. .
77
Snyder, Christian (Dec’d).
109
Jenkins, Thoe. W.
96
Prickett, Thos. J.
102
Talbott, Wm. E.
91
Jackson, James ....
117
Powers, Newton J. .
103
Thompson, J, C.
104
Kirkham, Chas.
72
Prickett, F. A .
83
Waller, Wm .
77
Kimball, John B.,
72
Pike, Wm. B .
84
Wayman, John W. .
83
King, Freeman, Esq.
89
Price, Madison, Esq. .
85
Wilson, Wm. P.
. facing
92
Logan, Maj.-Gen’l John A.
. facing
68
Rogers, W. S .
74
Wolf, George ....
95
Logan, Thos. M.
72
Robinson, Judge U. E.
75
Whitson, Berry B. . . ,
97
Levan, Samuel, Esq. . '.
89
Robarts, Joseph P.
75
Webb, Eli, Esq.
105
Lemma, Wm. A.
. facing
80
Rogers, Dr. George A. (Dec’d).
105
Will, Daniel G. ...
106
Mavhain, Hon. J. B. .
71
Rees, R. R .
109
Ward, Jesse H., Esq.
106
Mahoney, Dr. Oscar L.
74
Robinson, T. T .
112
Worthen, Edward
110
Aoore, James E.
77
Reeder, Prof. John M.
113
Worthen, Daniel W. (Dec’d)
111
Morgan, Robt. B., Esq.
86
Russell, Wm .
115
Worthen, Thomas . ,
111
McClure, John A.
88
Rosson, John B., M.D.
121
Wiley, Col. B. L.
102
Morgan, Jesse ....
105
Sams, B. F .
74
Williams Family
117
Mohlenbrock. Wm. .
106
Smith, Geo. W .
75
Young, Prof. R. J. .
75
ILLUSTRATIONS,
VIEWS.
FACING PAGE.
FACING FAGE.
Makanda .
24
Easterly, Aaron (Dec’d)
11.8
FACING PAGE.
Mayham, J. Banks ....
76
Easterly, Mrs. Sarah (Dec’d)
118
Baptist Church .
88
McClure, John A .
88
Hill, Geo. W .
71
Beasley, R. A. .
107
Natural Bridge . . . .
119
Hord, Thos. F .
. 75
Court House
20
Office of Grand Tower Item
77
Hamilton, Robt. W. .
75
Carbondale.
24
Pike, Wm. B .
85
Hanks, F. B .
74
City of Grand Tower.
36
State Map of Illinois. . . .
10
Hord, Wm. H., (M D.) .
82
Crain, Willis
91
Southern Illinois University
63
Hodges, H. C., (M.D.) .
87
Desberger Building .
77
Talbott, Wm. E.
90
Ingram, Col.* W. T., (M.D.)
72
Easterly Homestead .
118
Thompson, J. C. . .
107
Kirkham, Chas.
74
Eakin, N. T.
110
Waller, Wm .
77
Kimball, J. B .
74
Grand Tower
36
Wayman, John W .
89
Logan, Maj. Gen’l John A. • .
68
Hord, Thos.
76
Wilson, W. P .
90
Logan, Thomas M.
73
Hamilton, Robert W.
76
Worthen, Thos. ....
110
Logan, Mrs Sallie
73
Hodge*, H. C., (M.D.)
86
Lemma, Wm. A.
81
Harris, W. L. .
119
Mayham, J. B .
71
Jackson County Map .
11
Murphy, W. S .
75
Jones, Aaron
Kirkham, Chas. .
90
76
PORTRAITS.
Robarts, Joseph ....
74
Smith, Geo. W. .
71
Kimme), P. ...
. 77
Allen, Wm. J .
68
Sams, B. F .
*
75
Kimball, J. B. .
110
Andrews, G. W.
70
Pugh, A. R.
77
King, Freeman .
110
Albright, F. E .
69
Wayman, J. W.
89
Logan House, Ruins of
68
Brownlee, Prof. Jas. H.
83
Wayman, Mrs. Catharine . • .
89
Logan, Thos. M.
72
Beasley, R. A .
108
Wilson, Wm. P.
92
Ievan, Samuel . .
88
Duff, A. D.
80
Wilson, Mrs. Margaret
92
INTRODUCTION
EW studies are more profitable to mankind than that of the past
experiences, deeds, thoughts and trials of the human race. And
inconsistently and unfortunately, few are more frequently and
more strangely neglected. True, national patriotism and literary pride have
prompted many, in all times to write and preserve the annals of particular
peoples. But narrow prejudice and selfish interests, too often, have availed
to suppress the truth, or to distort facts ; and history, consequently, is little
more than a record of one man’s opinions, concerning the few things he has
carelessly learned or dimly conjectured. While even this has been valuable,
it has been misleading ; and it has tended to cause men to overlook the im¬
portance of local traditions and events, the rise and education, the training
and habits of particular families. It has therefore come to pass, that the
material, from which alone, a full and instructive history of a nation or a
state could be inferred and even written, have been lost, or, at least, have
been preserved in a manner so fragmentary as to be of little account. Hence
it is that every attempt to collect the history of a county or a town, of a
city or a church, of a family, or a' school, or college ought to secure the hearty
encouragement and active co-operation of all lovers of humanity.
This work aims to do something to supply such a want. It aims to col¬
lect and preserve in a popular form some of the facts of the history of one
of the most important counties of Southern Illinois. The families whose
ancestors were early on the ground, and whose members have made the
country what it is, deserve remembrance ; and their difficulties, customs,
labors and patriotism, should not be allowed to fall into oblivion. By a
knowledge of these the present generation will be instructed, and the future
will be guided.
Another object to be gained by this work, is to bring to the notice of our
own citizens, the immense resources which a bountiful Providence has be¬
stowed upon them, and which it becomes, not merely a privilege to use, but
a duty to improve. How little is now known of these treasures, and how
greatly profitable such information may be, needs only a thought to com¬
prehend. Ou| fertile soils, our noble timber trees, our genial climate, our
inexhaustible mineral treasures, our excellent building stones, and our easy
facilities for commerce, are, in a great degree, unknown even to our own
population. This volume seeks to develop an appreciation of them, and to
stimulate a desire to improve and extend them.
TheD, local customs, old family traits and anecdotes are so rich in interest
and so full of instruction to the young, that they ought never to be for¬
gotten. These, so many as time and diligence could gather, are here
recorded and will be found to form no unimportant or uninstructive portion
of this volume.
Among the most influential agencies in building a nation, and in establish¬
ing a character for its people, are the efforts of its citizens to educate their
children, and to provide for social religious worship. While the first of
these will be partially, at least, and as a rule only in part, provided for at
the public cost, and by an equalized taxation ; the latter is wholly a volun¬
tary and entirely an individual affair. These two interests will therefore
show most accurately the tastes, the habits and aspirations of a community.
They have hence been made prominent in the ensuing narrative, and it is
confidently hoped that they will not only interest readers, but will be studied
and appreciated.
Family biography so full of incident, and often of sparkling humor, has
not been omitted, although, from the nature of the case, it cannot be made
to occupy a very large space. The numbers of citizens of the County siuce
its organization, each one of whom has had his idiosyncracies, and striking
peculiarities, either of person, or mind, of custom or character, preclude a
notice of by far the most. Of only a few is it possible to make satisfactory
mention. But enough has been said of many to sharpen interest for more,
and if this attempt to record the local history of Jackson County shall
stimulate others to write more fully, and more vivaciously concerning matters
of common interest to us all, one purpose of our publication will have
been gained.
A word is scarcely needed in regard to the maps and illustrations with
which the work abounds. It has been the design to put in nothing simply
for the sake of a picture, because it could be had cheap. We desire to pre¬
sent to the eye what the mind should grasp firmly, and what can be better
seen by the imagination with the help of the illustration. All has been done
with the purpose of giving satisfaction, and adding to the value of the book.
We trust it will be found a decided advantage to the County, that it has been
written and published, and we anticipate for it a high appreciation from
our people.
It is only a very meager outline of what might have been compiled and
digested into history. Jackson County and its excellent people deserve a far
better notice. And their resources need only to be known in order to attract
hosts of emigrants to fill its plains, and cultivate its fertile bottoms, to de¬
velop its mines and to use its timber, and stones and clays in the interests of
a better civilization.
.
THE ABORIGINES.
BY ROBT. ALLYN, LL.D.
a HO were the first men on the ground? What were their customs?
Whence came they ? What is their history ? are always questions
of interest concerning any country ; but most of all are these in-
_ quiries full of profit to those who occupy a land. Especially is
that the case when the living nation has driven away the aborigines, and when
these were a people of strange habits, and have been made objects of sympathy
by their singular misfortunes. Such were the American Indians. Never did
a race inspire more romantic contemplation, or suffer more speedily and com¬
pletely a disastrous fate. They perished when they came into contact with
our civilization, almost as the hues of sunset fade when you look at them
through the telescope ; or as the odor of the rose vanishes while you
attempt to analyze it. Before they could be studied as men or as nations,
as families or as tribes, either by their traditions and literatures, by their
customs and affinities, they had disappeared ; or at least they had been so
degraded as to seem to have fallen below the level of even scientific observa¬
tion.
It is therefore very little we can learn concerning them. Their origin is
a mystery. Their history is a myth. Their manners and customs are chiefly
romance. Their language is mostly unknown, and their literature is a blank.
We can study them little, and that by scarcely another light than conjecture
as to facts, and very unreliable inference as to the conclusions reached. It
would hence seem lacking in promise of interest to write concerning them.
But their misfortunes, no less than their brotherhood in the race, entitle them
to remembrance, and the interests of historical and ethnological science
should, prompt us to collect every item of knowledge which remains to
illustrate in any way their history. It is with this purpose that these few
pages are written, with the hope also that they may serve as a stimulus to
others who have leisure to make local inquiry, till a complete history of the
Indian tribes who have inhabited Southern Illinois shall have been com¬
piled.
These tribes or nations were by no means the first denizens of the soil.
America appears to have been the home of a prior race, who have totally
disappeared, leaving behind them a singular poverty of records. A few
mounds, some beads, a small variety of earth-made ware, stone hammers,
implements for dressing skins, and now and then one of their own idols of
religious worship, together with a few personal articles of luxury or dissipa¬
tion, or ornament, are all of their domestic or public life left to us. To de¬
scribe them is now impossible, and to write their history would be to setforth
“the baseless fabric of a vision.” Yet all their relics are curious and sug¬
gestive. We find in Jackson county a large representation of their mounds
and flint implements, and many traces of their habits. The whole of the
Mississippi bottom is dotted with their earthworks, and so is that of the Big
Muddy, and Crab Orchard and Cedar Creek. Indeed hardly a fertile and
arable spot in the county embracing a mile square can be found that does not
bear unmistakable and instructive evidence of their labors or battles. Were
they the lost Tribes of Israel, as some have argued ? Were they Astecs,
akin to those who settled Mexico and perhaps Peru ? Were they Mongo¬
lians, who crossed Behring’s Straits? Each theory has had ardent advocates ;
but no ingenuity has thus far obtained any key to this riddle.
We only know that the Red Men, who lived here when the English or
French came to visit the land and trade for peltries, had not even a tradi¬
tion of them. They must have perished wholly before the present forests
began to grow. That period, however, may not be so remote as at first would
appear. The age of forest trees can be read by the annual layers of their
growth, with considerable accuracy. This age, determined by an examina¬
tion of hundreds of trees in a region rich in mounds — which were themselves
also covered with trees — showed these trees to be not over three hundred
years. A fact like this suggests that our present forests may have sprung
from a nearly prairie country, at a period only a short time previous to the
settlement at Jamestown. The mounds and earthworks clearly show that
large tracts of land were free from trees. Whether these artificial works were
for defence or for worship, they imply a numerous population acting in con¬
cert, and having well ordered customs. So far we can certainly conjecture.
How they perished, in war, or by pestilence, we cannot ascertain.
Another race succeeded them, and though they were numerous in Southern
Illinois as late as sixty years ago, who knows much of them? We are sure
they were of the hunter race ; they practiced scarce one of the arts of peace.
They could not build houses ; only huts or wigwams sheltered them. They
tamed no animals to aid them, except possibly the dog. They scarcely tilled
the earth. They rarely had fixed boundaries for their tribes or nations. No
time-honored institutions bound them to the past or gave them a pledge for
the future. And so we can only remember a brief day of their history, and,
in fact, only fragments of even that. It is like trying to say of an April day
how much was sunshine and how much was shower. They were, and they
are not. They preceded us, but left the country no better for their labors.
We can scarcely be grateful. It would be curious, profitable, to know all
about them. But that is impossible.
Those who occupied Southern Illinois were the Kaskaskias, the Shawneese,
and the Piunkashaws. These were kindred branches of the Algonquins, as
Bancroft calls them. They appear to have lived, — the Shawneese on the
Ohio below the Wabash, the Kaskaskias on the Mississippi, and the Piunka-
shaws on the Wabash. Tradition points to a field on the Crab Orchard, near
where it enters Big Muddy, as a place where one of the last battles between
the Piunkashaws and Kaskaskias was fought. At all events, large numbers
of war arrows are found in that place, and some skulls also. These Indians
seem to have been generally friendly to the whites, though it is known that
many of them engaged in the war in which St. Clair was defeated, and the
very last remnant of them went north and engaged in the Black Hawk war of
1832. Since that day — ‘and probably for a few years previous — not an Indian
foot has trodden our soil. We find their gimlets, arrow-heads, spear-heads,
saws, flesh-scrapers, spades, and hammers, all made of stone, and demanding
almost infinite patience for their manufacture, and hardly less for their use.
They were not ingenious, but they were sufficient for their simple habits ; and
they excite our wonder, how a people having so much power to concentrate
the mind on such difficult work as shaping flint-stones should have been so
barren in all the graceful and elevating arts. At most they were children,
but yet children who could persevere a year in chipping a flint for a weapon,
or a shell for a jewel. They had high notions of dignity ; and yet how they
9
10
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY \ ILLINOIS.
ignored all convenience and comfort. How they delved as patiently as their
neighbors the beavers, and yet how they despised labor and imposed it as a
degrading burden on their women. We alternately pity and despise them ;
admire their sublime stoicism, and sicken at their abominable cruelties. We
praise their valor and denounce their selfishness. They gave us their country
and left us none of their customs. We use the maize which they sometimes
cultured, and stupefy ourselves with the smoke of tobacco which they taught
us to consume. These are their sole contributions to the world’s progress in
profit and comfort- Is it wonderful that we forget them ? Or that we should
readily persuade ourselves that such an idle, unprogressive people should
scarcely have a right which an enterprising, ambitious and needy race
should respect ? Their whole ideas, habits, wants, aspirations, and beliefs
were so different from those of our race that we can scarcely rise to any sym¬
pathy with them or their interests.
Their modes of life seem to have been individual rather than social. In
war they were cunning and cruel, brave and cautious, almost to cowardice at
the same time. Like the lion, they never rushed upon the foe in open sight,
if they could conceal themselves in ambush and spring unawares upon the
victim, or could speed the arrow from a hidden lurking place into the back
of an enemy. Yet they could endure torture with stoic indifference, and look
a single foe in the face with a determination as resolute as ever the Spartan
faced a helot. Sometimes, as in the case of the Kaskaskias, an entire tribe
would perish in battle before they would yield. Having selected their place
of ambush, it is said this tribe was surprised by a more numerous enemy, and
remained, each warrior at his post by his tree, till every man was killed. It
was a long fight, and the nation at its close was annihilated, every warrior
having given his scalp to his antagonist, and every woman and child having
been made a captive. The Piunkashaws seem to have shared the same fate
at the hands of some northern tribes. By these wars of extermination they
had been so reduced in power, that when the English or Americans came
they were obliged to succumb as much to numbers as superior skill and
mightier weapons. They were selfish and unsocial. Each man for himself,
they could not combine to grow. And having done nothing for the future,
that future has in vain asked for their records. They left us nothing, and
why remember them?
ILLINOIS IN 1822
{From the American Atlas published in Philadelphia in 1822.)
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND EXTENT.
Illinois is situated between 36° 58' and 420 30' N. lat. and io° 20' and 140 21' W. long.
It is bounded north by the North West Territory; east by Indiana; south by Kentucky, and
west by Missouri. Its medium length is about 365 miles, and medium breadth 162, the area
being about 59,000 square miles, or 37,760,000 acres.
and 12 miles east of the salt works belonging to the United States, on Saline creek. The
inhabitants are supported principally by the profits of the salt trade. Edwardsville is a
flourishing town on Cahokia river, 22 miles N. E. of St. Louis. Vandalia, 50 miles N. E.
of Edwardsville, is now the seat of government.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS
CIVIL DIVISIONS AND POPULATION.
Counties.
Inhabitants.
The greater part of the State is either flat or undulating. Extensive prairies constitute
two-thirds of its surface. The soil may be divided into six classes: 1. Bottoms, bearing a
heavy growth of timber. This land is of the first quality, and is found on all the principal
rivers. It varies in width from 50 rods to two miles, and is of inexhaustible fertility.
2. Newly-formed land found at the mouths of rivers. There are many thousand acres of
this land at the mouth of the Wabash, and at the confluence of the Ohio with the Mississippi.
It is annually inundated, and is very unhealthy. 3. Dry prairies, approaching the rivers
anvl bordering on the bottom land, but elevated from 30 to 100 feet. The prairies of the
Illinois river are the most extensive of any east of the Mississippi, and have alone been
estimated at 1,200,000 acres. The soil is not inferior to the first-rate river bottoms. 4. Wet
prairies, found remote from rivers or at their sources. This soil is generally cold and barren,
abounding with swamps and ponds, and covered with a tall coarse grass. 5. Timbered
land, moderately hilly, well watered, and of a rich soil. 6. Hills, of a sterile soil, and
destitute of timber, or covered with stinted oaks and pines. Corn is at present the staple
production of the State. Wheat does well, except on the bottoms, where the soil is too rich.
Tobacco grow-, to great perfection. Flax, hemp, oats, Irish and sweet potatoes succeed as
well as in Kentucky. Among the mineral productions are iron, coal, and copper. Salt
springs are also numerous.
RIVERS.
The Slate is boidered on three sides by the great rivers Wabash, Ohio, and Mississippi.
The Illinois is formed by the Kankakee and the Plaines, which unite near the N. E. corner
of the State. It pursues a southwesterly course of nearly 400 miles, and joins the Mississippi
18 mdes above the mouth of the Missouri. It his a gentle current, unbroken by rapids,
and is navigable for boats throughout its whole course. The Kaskaskia rises in the N. E.
part of the State, and running S. W. falls into the Mississippi 84 miles below the mouth of
the Illinois, and 100 above that of the Ohio. It is navigable for 150 miles. Saline Creek
falls into the Ohio 20 miles below the mouth of the Wabash. It is navigable 30 miles.
There are salt works belonging to the United States on this stream, 20 miles from its mouth.
The Little Wabash falls into the Wabash a few miles from its mouth.
CLIMATE.
The climate is in general very favorable. In the south it is sufficiently mild to raise
cotton; and peaches come to maturity in the northern parts. It is generally healthy and
agreeable.
CHIEF TOWNS.
Kaskaskia, lately the seat of government, is on the right bank of Kaskaskia River, 11
miles from its mouth. It contains a bank, a land office, a printing office, and about 160
houses, scattered over an extensive plain. The town was settled upwards of a hundred
years ago by emigrants from Lower Canada, and about one-half of the inhabitants are
French. The surrounding country is under good cultivation. Cahokia is a French
settlement, on the Mississippi, 52 miles N. W. of Kaskaskia, and 5 miles below St. Louis.
Shawneetown is on the north bank of the Ohio, 12 miles below the mouth of the Wabash,
Gallatin . 3,155
White . 4.828
Edwards . 3,444
Franklin . 1,763
Washington . 1,5*7
Bond . 2,931
Alexander . 626
Jackson . L542
Randolph . 3,492
St. Clair . 5,253
Madison . I3,SS°
Union . 2,362
Wayne . >,<14
Jefferson . 691
Monroe . . 1 ,537
Crawford . 3,022
Clark . 931
Pope . 2,610
Johnson . 843
SS.2H
In 1810 the population was 12,282 ; in 1818, 35,220; in 1820, 55,21 1, and is very rapidly
increasing. The settlements at present are confined to the southern portion of the State,
and the neighborhood of the great rivers. The number of slaves in 1810 was 168. The
constitution provides that no more slaves shall be introduced into the State.
GOVERNMENT.
The constitution of Illinois was adopted by a convention held at Kaskaskia, on the 6th of
August, 1818. It provides for the distribution of the powers of government into three
departments. The legislative authority is vested in a general assembly, composed of a
senate and house of representatives,, the members of each of which bodies are elected every
two years by the people. The senators vacate iheir seats in rotation. The Governor is
chosen every fourth year by the people, and, at the same period, a Lieutenant-Governor is
chosen in the same manner. The governor and judges of the supreme court constitute a
council of revision, to which all bills that have passed the assembly must be presented
Although the council of revision may return a bill with their objections, a majority of the
members of both houses may pass it into a law. The governor nominates, and with the
consent of the senate, appoints to all offices not otherwise provided for in tjie constitution.
.The right of suffrage is universal. All white male inhabitants who have resided in the State
six months preceding elections, enjoy the rights of electors ; and it is provided that all votes
shall be given viva voce, until altered by the general assembly. The judicial power is vested
in one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the general assembly may from time to
time establish. The supreme court consists of a chief justice and three associates, who are
appointed by joint ballot of both houses of the assembly, and hold their offices until 1824, at
which time their commissions expire ; but after that period the justices of the supreme court
and of the inferior courts hold their offices during good behaviour.
p £ /? y
C O U M T Y
HISTORY
OK
JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
BY JAS. H. BROWNLEE, A. M.
CHAPTER L
PIONEERS AND EARLY SETTLERS.
“ Through the long vista of departed years,
The kindling eye now gazes — dimmed with tears ;
And now, with magic power, behold, it brings
The sweets of memory — without its stings !
But tongues more tuneful shall these scenes rehearse, —
For mine but heralds many a nobler verse.’’
cT N the following pages is related, from the best attainable sources,
y the history of the first, settlement of our county. No labor has
|\ been spared to make the narrative both interesting and complete ;
| yet we are painfully aware that it is in some things defective.
Nor, indeed, is it possible for it to be otherwise. No newspapers
were published here, in early times, in whose musty and preserved files we
might find authentic data. Many events and anecdotes worthy of insertion
here have faded from the memories of the living. All available sources
of information have been consulted, and nothing has been omitted which, in
our opinion, reflects light upon the past histqry of our county. The picture
here drawn of the pioneers and first settlers, their modes of living, their cus¬
toms, habits and amusements, while necessarily lacking entire completeness,
we feel, so far as it goes, is accurate and truthful.
While engaged in the agreeable work of preparing these annals, we have
been conscious only of a desire to perform our task with fidelity to facts ; to
sketch life-like portraits of the bold men and brave women who played their
parts so.well- in the morning twilight of our county’s history, upon life’s
stage.
A record of those to whom we of this generation are so greatly indebted,
while falling short of that fulness and accuracy which so greatly enhances
the value of a work of this character, cannot fail to prove at once highly
interesting and greatly instructive. It would have been far better for this
people, and for the future Macaulay of this great valley, had an historian of
the founders and first immigrants of this county, — of their privations and
distresses, of their heavy sorrows and simple joys, of their free-hearted hospi¬
tality, of their courage and daring in the day and hour of danger, of the pro¬
phetic hope which stimulated them always, and, together with their trust in
Providence, enabled them to successfully combat the dark throng of dangers
that cruelly beset them, — sooner appeared. Most of their number have
passed from among us to the narrow house appointed for all the living, and
the silent tomb which received their worn frames, received also the host of
recollection, and anecdote, and reminiscence, which was of priceless value.
The remorseless grave keeps well the secrets committed to its bosom. But
it is well that at last the work of gathering together the meagre and scattered
records of the past, for the instruction of those who are to inhabit this land,
and for the benefit of the student of history, has at last been attempted,
before the last gray-haired actors of an earlier day, are called to travel into
God’s presence, there to be reunited to the friends of their youth, and com¬
panions of their toils and dangers. We are heirs of the past, but we are also
debtors of the past. Are we not too apt to forget how great is our obligation
to the hardy men and noble women who, two generations ago, bade 'arewell
to the homes of their fathers and familiar scenes of their youth, ud traveled
westward to the great Mississippi Valley, to lay broad, deep mi strong,
the foundations of a mighty state, under whose protection a p> • ,perous and
happy people, might enjoy without stint the blessings of liberty a: 1 peace ?
A majority of them brought with them little that we call wt u but they
brought what, to the settler in an unbroken wilderness, is of ;re value, —
industrious and frugal habits, stout and enduring muscles, ,nd contented
and brave hearts. Since first their eyes beheld the country, how changed is
the scene ! The physical features of the landscape remain nearly the same.
The same sky, not less blue, not less bright, arches above it as of yore ; the
same hills rear their crests, and stand, like sentinels, along our western
boundaries ; the same majestic river, the noblest of the earth, rolls ceaselessly
along our border to pour its mighty tribute of waters into the ocean, but the
damp and almost impenetrable forest has largely disappeared before the axe
of the woodman, as have its beasts before his rifle ; while white-walled farm¬
houses, the abodes of happiness, are seen wherever you turn your eye,
“ And forest, and field, and meadow,
As a carpet, checker the land.”
Fair towns and pleasant villages have gathered their happy populations,
and resound with the “ hum of men.” Railroads run as great arteries
through hill and across dale, while telegraph wires have woven a net-work¬
over the land. Temples of knowledge, where children gather with earnest,
inquiring eyes, to learn the way of wisdom, are multiplied, till there is room
for all ; and temples of religion, where all ages gather to learn the way of
holiness, point with burnished spires towards the utter peace and solemnity
of the skies.
“A debt we ne’er can pay,
To them is justly due.”
The early settlers, through unremitting toil and great hardship, through
great sacrifice and manifold dangers, have made possible the degree of
leisure and culture we enjoy to-day, and the progress of science and art,
of letters and high philosophy, in the great valley of the west. The
germ of the beneficent school system, on which the hope of the Republic
rests, and which unrolls the ample page of knowledge, “rich with the spoils
of time,” alike to the child from the mansion and the hovel, was planted by
their hands and watered by their care. They brought with them the cheer¬
ing ceremonies of a pure religion, which to-day elevates and consoles the
hearts of the children of men. They laid the foundations of the grand state
of Illinois, which to-day presses closely on towards her predestined place as
first of all the sisterhood.
We say, then, all honor to those
“Who travailed in pain with the births of God,
And planted a state with prayers.
Hunting of witches and warlocks,
Smiting the heathen horde;
One hand on the mason’s trowel,
And one on the soldier’s sword.”
A few who are well nigh worn out in the battle and toil of life linger
11
12
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
among ue. They deserve well of their country, and of the younger genera¬
tion that has grown up around them. Let them feel that we are not un-
gratelnl to them for their unselfish devotion to liberty, for their sacrifice and
toil, and while we reap the grand harvest their hands have sown, let us cause
them to feel that we honor them, and that their deeds will be held in grate¬
ful remembrance by us and by our children.
In the midst of the beautiful and fertile land they wrested from the wild
beast of the forest, and from the fiercer red man, who contended desperately
for the inheritance of his fathers, they shall sweetly sleep, while ages glide
away, leaving behind them a race that will read with never- flagging interest
the record of their lives, which furnishes noble examples of manly daring
and womanly heroism; examples of fortitude under trial, and patience
in affliction, which commend themselves to our hearts- And as we dwell
upon the pages made glorious by their deeds, let us highly resolve to emulate
their virtues.
A contemplation of the integrity of the fathers, can but be beneficial at
this age. We need more of that austerity of virtue and simplicity of taste
that characterized the people of that earlier day.
“ Let us so live that when our summons comes
To join the innumerable caravan that moves to the pale realms of shade,
Where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death,
That we shall go, not like the quarry slave, scourged to his dungeon,
But, sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust,
We shall approach our graves like one that wraps the drapery of his couch about him,
And lies down to pleasant dreams.”
EARLY SETTLERS AND PIONEERS.
Song of the Pioneers.
BY \VM. D. GALLAGHER.
A song for the early times out west,
p And our green old forest home,
Whose pleasant memories freshly yet
Across the bosom come :
A song for the free and gladsome life,
In those early days we led,
With a teeming soil beneatli our feet,
And a smiling Heaven o’erhead !
Oh, the waves of life danced merrily,
And had a joyous flow,
In the days when we were Pioneers,
Fifty years ago!
The hunt, the shot, the glorious chase,
The captured elk or deer;
The camp, the big, bright lire, and then
The rich and wholesome cheer;
The sweet, sound sleep, at dead of night,
By our camp-tire, blazing high —
Unbroken by the wolfs long howl,
And the panther springing by.
Oh, merrily passed the time, despite
Our wily Indian foe,
In the days when we were Pioneers,
Fifty years ago !
We shunn’d not labor: when ’twas due,
We wrought with right good will ;
And for the homes we won for them,
Our children bless us still.
We lived not hermit lives, but oft
In social converse met;
And fires of love were kindled then,
That burn on warmly yet.
Oh, pleasantly the stream of life
Pursued its constant flow,
In the days when we were Pioneers,
Fifty years ago!
We felt that we were fellow-men;
We felt we were a band,
Sustain’d here in the wilderness
By Heaven’s upholding hand.
And when the solemn Sabbath came,
We gathered in the wood,
And lifted up our hearti^in prayer
To God, the only Good.
Our temples then were earth and sky —
None others did we know —
In the days when we were Pioneers,
Fifty years ago!
Our forest life was rough and rude,
And dangers clos’d us round ;
But here, amid the green old trees,
Freedom was sought and found.
Oft through our dwellings wintry blasts
Would rush with shriek and moan ;
We cared not — though they were but frail,
We felt they were our own!
Oh, free and manly lives we led,
'Mid verdure, or ’mid snow,
In the days when we were Pioneers,
Fifty years ago !
But now our course of life is short;
And as, from day to day,
We’re walking on with halting step,
And fainting bv the way,
Another land, more bright than this,
To our dim sight appears,
And on our way to it we’ll soon
Again be pioneers !
Yet, while we linger, we may all
A backward glance still throw,
To the days when we were Pioneers,
Fifty years ago !
CHAPTER II.
CIVIL HISTORY.
FIRST TERRITORIAL LEGISLATOR ELECTED— FIRST SENATOR ELECTED— STATE BANK
CREATED— FIRST GRAND JURORS— LICENSE TO SELL LIQUORS — l-'l RST COUNTY
JUDGE — CLERKS — SHERIFFS — ATTORNEYS — TREASURERS — Cl RCUIT CLERKS —
COUNTY SURVEYORS— SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES — COUNTY SEAT CHANGED
—INDEBTEDNESS— FLOOD OF 1844— MUDDY SALINE RESERVATION— THE BAR— THE
GREAT REBELLION — ASSESSMENTS.
the preparation of this chapter, one of the most important con¬
tained in the entire work, we have been greatly embarrassed by
the difficulty or impossibility, in some cases, of procuring very
accurate data. This arises not from the condition, but from the
absence of county records ; and this lamentable fact is explained when
we know that nearly all records and books of the county were destroyed
in the conflagration that in 1843 consumed the court-house at the then
county seat, Brownsville. Some of these, indeed, were restored by the Board
of Investigation created by act of Legislature, but they were comparatively
few, and mainly were deeds and land titles. The names of early county
officials, the services, the dates of their entrance upon and withdrawal' from
office are entirely lost, or exist only in the fading remembrance of aged citizens.
We submit this chapter to our patrons and to criticism cheerfully, how¬
ever, and with that degree of satisfaction which arises from a consciousness
that we have done the best that could be done under the untoward conditions
and circumstances that encircled us. Thorough search of all existing
records at the county seat have been instituted, during which the officials in
charge have, in all ways, extended valuable assistance.
Prior to 1795 this county was embraced within the widely capacious limits
of t,he county of St. Clair. In that year Gen. Arthur St. Clair organized the
county of Randolph, and thenceforward, or for a period of 21 years, the soil
of this county formed a portion of Randolph, the county seat of which was
the historic Kaskaskia. In 1816 the demands of the settlements within our
limits were acceded to, and Jackson county was formed. It is bounded on
the north by Randolph and Perry counties, on the east by Franklin and
Williamson, on the south by Union, while on the west it is bounded by the
Mississippi. Its territory is large, consisting of 497 square miles, or 318,080
acres. -The soils and woods, the valuable minerals, the geography and
climatology, the fauna and flora of this large domain have been fully noticed
in another part of this work, and need not be dwelt on here. When this
county sprang into being in obedience to legislative mandate, Illinois was
yet a territory, the most part of which was a wilderness, the greater portion
of whose vast solitudes had never been trodden by the foot of civilized man.
Remarkable, indeed, have the events and revolutions, the discoveries and
inventions that have occurred and been made on this earth of ours since
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
13
Jackson had her birth. Napoleon, the most wonderful warrior that “ever
rose or reigned or fell,” has since fretted out his life on a lone island in the
south Atlantic, where British fear and hate had confined him ; Scott and
Taylor, and Gra^; and Sherman and Lee, have been placed in military an¬
nals amongst the great captains of history ; Byron, the greatest poet of
modern times, has closed his brief and sad, yet splendid career; Keats and
Hunt, Tennyson and Browning, Bryant and Longfellow, Whittier and
Lowell have sung ; Irving and Hawthorn, and Thackeray and Dickens have
won their place amongst the masters of English ; the “ god-like,” matchless
Webster, the impassioned and eloquent Clay, and the powerful and meta¬
physical Calhoun, have risen to eminence, shed new lustre upon their country
and their race, and sunk iuto the bosom of the gravfe ; Agassiz and Darwin
and Huxley, Priestley and Faraday, and Miller and Lyell, and a host of
coadjutors have extended the circle of science ; Charles Lamb, the most ad¬
mired of English humorists, has written the Essays of EHa ; and Thomas de
Quincy, the greatest master of English prose the world has seen, has pub¬
lished his Confessions of an English Opium Eater ; Macaulay has written in
noble and eloquent strains, unrivalled for their display of learning, aptness,
and richness of illustration and imagery, the great history of his native land ;
Bancroft and Prescott, and Hildreth and Motley, of our own country, have
won high rank among the historians of the earth ; Chalmers and Channing,
Spurgeon and Punshon, and Beecher and Moody have enforced the duties of
morality and religion, with a force and eloquence not inferior to that of a
Massillon or a Bossuet or a Taylor ; Stuart Mill has arisen a3 a bright star
upon the horizon of philosophy, and Carlyle upon that of history and philo¬
sophy ; and Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, the world’s most illustrious son,
has been crowned Saviour of his Country and Benefactor of Mankind.
Then, too, since has the broad bosom of that mighty river, which forms the
western limit of our county, been first furrowed by the rushing keel of the
steamboat ; the voice of Stephenson’s locomotive has been first heard iu our
land ; Morse, the American scientist, has discovered how to seud that subtle
agent, electricity, on its lightning pinions, to do the bidding of man ;
Charles Goodyear has discovered how to make vulcanized rubber, and
McCormack, to the wheat-growing belt, the reaper ; the Ocean Cable has
been laid by Field along the “slimy bottom of the deep and the Atlantic
and Pacific have been bound together by iron bands ; while Howe has been
distinguished by the public as the inventor of the seuyng machine; Florida
has been obtained of Spain, and Alaska has been purchased of Russia, while
Mexico has been conquered, and a magnificent domain rescued from her
grasp and added to our western border ; the centre of population has travelled
more than 300 miles westward along the 39th parallel, and the population
has increased from 8,000,000 to more than 40,000,000 ; the constellation
upon the blue field of our flag has been increased and made more glorious
by the addition of 29 stars, representing 29 states ; St. Louis has grown from
a mere trading post to a city of 500,000 inhabitants, while upon the shore of
Lake Michigan there has arisen, as if through enchantment, a city which
claims the proud title of “Queen of the West and North.” Jackson county
from hear 1,200 has swelled her numbers to nearly 25,000, and Illinois from
a population of near 33,000 has advanced to more than 3,000,000 ; gold has
been discovered in the far west, and has now gathered her busy populations ;
and finally, the great war for the Union has been fought and won.
The act creating the county and appointing the first board of county com¬
missioners specified that when the capital was located it should be called
Brownsville. Conrad Will, who at that time was engaged in salt manufac¬
ture at the wells, near where the capital was“ located, offered to donate 20
acres as a site for the county seat, which offer the commissioners, after inves¬
tigation, accepted, and a deed was made some time after by Conrad and his
wife Susanna to Jesse Griggs, Nathan Davis, and James Hall, Jr., the
justices of the first county commissioners’ court who represented the county.
Contracts were made by the commissioners for the building of a court house
and jail. The court house was erected by Marion Fuller, was enclosed and
made fit for occupancy, but was never completed. Edward Miller had the
contract to build the county jail. Brownsville never was large or flourish¬
ing, and was not platted until 1825; the plat was recorded by the then
county clerk, Joel Manning, which record being destroyed by fire, was re¬
stored by order of the Board of Investigation. Jesse Griggs moved at once
to the county seat. At the time that Jackson county was created by legisla¬
tive enactment, Illinois had been for four years under the second grade of
territorial government, or since 1812. Previous to this date, or for nearly
four years after the organization of Illinois territory, no legislature existed
in Illinois.
The ordinance of 1787, q. v.} authorized the governor to exercise both
executive and legislative powers. The only governor who has been charged
with arbitrarily exercising these extraordinary powers was Governor Arthur St.
Clair. The people were loud in complaint and in demand for an extension of
the right of suffrage. Congress, by act of May 21, 1812, raised Illinois to the
second grade of territorial government, in compliance with the wishes of the
people, if not the desire, of the governor. Previous to this the political
privileges of a citizen were few. He could not vote unless he was a free¬
holder of fifty acres. “ The people could not elect justices of the peace,
county surveyors, treasurers, coroners, sheriffs, clerks, judges of the inferior
courts, nor even choose the officers of the militia.” These were appointed
by the executive. After the entrance upon the second grade of government
short sessions of the legislature were held.
FIRST TERRITORIAL LEGISLATOR.
Three territorial legislators were elected by the people. Jackson county
elected her first representative in 1817. This was Nathan Davis. The next,
year the bill for the admission of Illinois into the Union having passed Con¬
gress, April 18, 1818, a convention was called to draft the first constitution
of the state of Illinois. Conrad Will and James Hall, Jr., were chosen to
represent Jackson county in that convention.
Some observations upon the laws of Illinois while under territorial govern¬
ment may be found instructive and interesting. Some features of the terri¬
torial code are in marked contrast to those of the present. The penalties
prescribed for offences against laws were whipping upon the bare back,
standing in the pillory, confinement in stocks, branding with hot irons,
besides fines and other methods of punishment. The burglar received 39
stripes ; the thief, or receiver of stolen goods or perjurer, 31 ; horse stealing,
first offence, from 50 to 100 lashes; hog stealing, from 25 to 39 ; altering or
defacing brands on domestic animals, at large, 40 stripes “ well laid on ; ”
bigamy was punished by from 100 to 300 stripes ; children and servants
might, upon conviction of disobedience, before a justice of the peace, be
beaten with 10 stripes.
The Legislature of 1817-18, which was the first in which Jackson county
had a representation, as a political organization, is chiefly notable as the one
that granted the “ Cairo City Charter,” which had for its object the cstab-
ment of a great city at the confluence of the two great rivers, the Mississippi
and Ohio. The scheme proved a failure, as a matter of course. At this
session also, was incorporated a compauy for the cutting of a canal a few
miles north of Cairo, via the town of America, then in Johnson county, to
connect the waters of the two rivers ; nothing resulted from this, however.
William Wilson came from Randolph county to act as Clerk of the first
Commissioners’ Court, and assist in gettiug the political machinery of the
new county to running smoothly. This is the Wilson who, for nearly 30
years, was one of the Supreme Judges of our State. II is home for many
years was about two miles from Cairo, the county seat of White county, and
here he exercised genuine old Virginia hospitality. When the Constitution
of 1848 went into effect, he retired to private life. He died at his home
April 29th, 1857, at the good age of 63 years, and met the king of ter¬
rors with that serenity that accompanies the consciousness of a well-spent
life. Mr. Wilson soon vacated the office of clerk and was succeeded in
that office by Edward Humphries, and he in turn was followed by Timothy
Nash, who was appointed, — for nearly all officers were appointed in those
times. He was • Recorder, Judge of Probate, Clerk of County Court and
of Circuit Court. Mr. Nash held these offices till his death, which was
about the year 1820. He was a faithful officer, and his untimely death was
regretted by all who knew him. There were two applicants. for the position
thus vacated, Singleton H. Kimmel, son of Peter Kimmel, was indorsed by
Captain Boon, but his application was unsuccessful. Joel Manning was the
other applicant, and secured the appointment. He held the offices for a long
term of years, and retired to be succeeded by Col. D. H. Brush, now a resi¬
dent of Carbondale. Joel Manning was of medium size, weighing probably
between 150 and 160 pounds, positive, and some thought, even crusty in
speech. He was brother-in-law to Gov. A. M. Jenkins, having married his
sister Diza at Brownsville, in 1823. He was a very efficient officer. He
resigned his office on the 5th day of September, 1836 ; moved to the north¬
ern part of the State and died there. The first Sheriff of whom any record
can be found, was Jesse Griggs, previously mentioned as one of the members
of the first County Court. He held this position for many years, the last
year he served being 1836. He soon after this moved to Stoddard county,
Missouri, where he died.
14
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
The first election under the Constitution that had been formed for the
infant State, Illinois, for State officers and members of the general assembly
was, as specified by the Convention, held on the third Thursday and the two
following days in September, 1818. All white males who were residents of
the State at the time of the adoption of the State Constitution, were entitled
to the elective franchise. Shadrach Bond was elected Governor, and Pierre
Menard was elected Lieut- Governor for a term of four years. The State
Legislature met, Oct. 5th, 1818, at Kaskaskia, the old seat of government,
to formerly induct the officials into the high offices to which they had been
chosen, and set in motion the machinery of State Government.
FIRST SENATOR ELECTED.
The voters of this county elected as their first Senator for a terra of four
years, William Boon, and as their second representative Conrad Will. This
Legislature had important work before it. Two Senators were to be elected
to represent the State at the Nation’s Capital, and Niuian Edwards, the last
territorial Governor, and Jesse B. Thomas, one of the territorial federal
Judges, were elected. John M’Lean was representative in the House of Rep-
reseutatives. This Legislature also elected a Supreme Judge and three Asso¬
ciate Justices, who were required to do circuit duty. Au Auditor of public
accounts, a State Treasurer, au Attorney General and two state printers were
also elected by them. At this time, Jackson county was one of a family of
15 counties, the farthest north being Bond.
The census of 1820 showed the population of Jackson county to be 1542,
of whom 39 were returned as slaves, the rest being all white. The total popu¬
lation of the State was 55,211, or au increase of over 300 per cent, during
the preceding decade. The amount of State tax paid in Jackson county,
was not more than S250, and the total State revenue was less than §8,000.
The first Legislature fixed the salaries of State officers as follows: Governor
and Supreme Judges, SI, 000 each, per annum ; Auditor, S700; Secretary of
State, S600 ; Treasurer, 8500. Messrs. Boon and Will, as members, received
84.00 per day, for their services. “ The county revenue was raised by a tax
upon personal property, including slaves and indentured servants, and by a
resident land tax. Lands were divided into three classes of 83, and 84
per acre respectively.'’
‘‘The Constitution of 1818, was the first organic law of any State, to
abolish imprisonment for debt.” The worse feature of it was the absence of a
most necessary limitation upon the Legislature, preventing it from loaning or
pledging the State credit and faith, in aid of, or the undertaking of, any pub¬
lic or private enterprise, or to the assistance of private individuals or cor¬
porations. The absence of such a limiting clause, proved the source of
many woes for a series of years/aud even threatened to bankrupt the State.
The session of 1819 was held at Kaskaskia, and since that period the
ancient village, in early days, the emporium of trade and the resort of fashion,
has steadily declined. The student of history who is thither lured bv the
historical recollections that are grouped about it, finds that its glory has
departed. A few inhabitants remain to occupy the dilapidated buildings.
The flood of 1844 put the finishing touches to the work of decay.
In 1823, the Legislature in session at Vandalia, passed a law clearly de¬
fining the boundary line between Jackson county and Randolph.
In the celebrated Enabling Act, passed by Congress April 18, 1818,
occured among others, this proposition, “ That all salt springs within said
State, and the land reserved for themse of the same, shall be granted to the
said State, for the use of the said State, and the same to be used under such
terms and conditions and regulations, as the Legislature of said State shall
direct. Provided the Legislature shall never sell nor lease the same for a
longer period than 10 years, at any one time.”
William Boon was succeeded as senator by Joseph Duncan. This noted
man, whom our older citizens remember, was born at Paris, Kentucky, Feb¬
ruary 23d, 1794. He had distinguished himself while a youth, in the war of
1812, and was with Col. George Croghan at Fort Stephenson. He settled in
this county in 1818, and his military fame procured the position of Major-
geueral of Militia. He introduced the first bill for the establishment of free
schools in Illinois, and his memory is revered by all friends of popular edu¬
cation. In 1826 his fame was greatly increased by his election to Congress
over his distinguished competitor, Daniel P. Cook. This seat he retained till
he was elected Governor, in August, 1834. At the same time Alexander M.
Jenkins was chosen Lieut. Governor.
Duncan was a man of fine abilities, but his education was somewhat limit¬
ed. He gathered a store of knowledge through long official service, that
served him to good purpose.
“ He possessed a clear judgment, decision, confidence in himself and moral
courage to carry out his convictions of right. His intercourse with the pub¬
lic, was affable, courteous and dignified. He inspired confidence, and
attached to himself unswerving friends.”
From 1820 to 1830, the progress made by our county in wealth and popu¬
lation was scarcely perceptible. The waves of immigration had entirely
subsided, or beat but feebly on our shores, and the census reports evince the
fact that the increase for the decade was only 287, or a small fraction more
than 12 per cent. The citizens were without good markets for their produce
to stimulate them to activity. Inhabitants of a new country seldom labor
hard. During this period, but little wheat was sown, because fields grew
yellow for the rude sickle at a time when the sun shot down his fiercest rays.
It was not until 1830, that the work of clearing away the primeval forest
was energetically begun.
The causes for this stagnant condition of the county, are to be found in
the general condition of the State and nation. We have stated that the Ter¬
ritorial Legislature, shortly before the organization of the State had char¬
tered several banks. Before this, other States and territories had granted
charters to a large number. There were many banks in Ohio and Kentucky,
and there were two at St. Louis. The whole country was flooded with paper
currency; times became flush, “credit was unlimited,” immigrants crowded
westward with means to invest, and property rapidly increased in value.
The pulse of the west beat high, but as the result of disease, not health.
The spirit of speculation was rife. Merchants bought heavily, and people
forsaking that simplicity which had before characterized them, began to be
comparatively extravagant in dress and habit. All contracted debts, based
on hope, promises and expectations of the future. Dreams of vast fortunes
flitted across the heated imaginations of the citizens. Towns were platted
which they ordinarily believed were destined in a short time to become cities
In short, the same condition of affairs existed, that was induced by the im¬
mense sums of money set afloat by our government during the great rebel¬
lion, only greatly aggravated by vast inferiority of the wild cat currency to
the greenbacks.
As early as 1819, the more thoughtful were awakened from their dream of
hope by unmistakable signs of reaction. Paper money began to depreciate, and
banks to tremble, while specie was forced to retire by the irredeemable paper
currency. The Legislature vainly sought at the session in 1819, to stay the
overcoming tide of disaster, by incorporating a new bank of Illinois with a
capital of 82,000,000, but it might as well have attempted to turn the stars
in their courses Books were opened in many towns, but confidence was
shaken, and succeeded by distrust, and “not a dollar of stock was taken.”
Immigrants came without money in their purses, trade became depressed,
the paper towns grew far less rapidly thau Jonah’s gourd, or than had been
anticipated ; real estate was a drug on the market ; men could not meet
their obligations, and wide-spread ruin stared people in the face. The
necessity for some great scheme for relief was felt, and the aid of the new
Legislature, which was elected in August of 1820, was invoked.
STATE BANK CREATED.
It addressed itself to its impossible task, and created the “ Illinois State
Bank,” with a capital of 8500,000, based upon state credit. The notes were
of denominations from 81 to 820, and were loaned to the oppressed people on
personal and real-estate security. The issues of the bank soon fell below par,
and eventually became worth but 25 cts. on the dollar. Change was made
by cutting bills in two, as once they had cut the silver rix-dollars. This
depreciated currency was a sad curse to the State for four years, and pro¬
duced an incalculable amount of distress. The financial idiocy, cost the
State the full amount of the capital of the bank, and retarded the growth of
State and county. The advantage to a people of a stable currency has been
the theme of declamation of statesman and sophomore, and cannot be too
strongly emphasized. Without such a medium, trade sickens and commerce
languishes, and prosperity is impossible : with it the progression of a people
is only limited -by their energy and ambition.
In 1830, owing largely to the wisdom of Governor Edwards — (1826-30)
— the fiscal affairs of the State were in good condition. Immigration set in
strongly for the fertile lands of Jackson county, and during the ten years fol¬
lowing, the increase in population of the county was 1738, or nearly 95 per
cent, as against 127 of the preceding decade. The jovial Irishman came to
our borders to find welcome, the cheerful, industrious German, the impetu¬
ous son of the South and the shrewd Yankee, whose quaint speech seemed
out of place, so far west of New England, here selected their home. The
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
15
progress of Jackson in numbers and wealth, has since been constant and
rapid.
The Legislature passed at Vandalia in 1831, the following Act, by which,
it will be seen, that our county was to get a share of the proceeds of the
sale of saline lands, and that this was to be expended for a certain purpose.
An act appropriating a portion of the avails arising from the sale of the
saline lands in Gallatin county, to internal improvement.
Sec. 1. This specifies that as soon as Congress grants permission to this
state to sell twenty thousand acres of land, now asked for by the Legislature
of this state, and the following sums are realized from the sales of said lands,
the commissioners of said sales were to pay to the county commissioners’
court of Jackson county one hundred and fifty dollars, to be expended under
the direction of said commissioners in building a bridge across Big Crab
Orchard creek, on the road leading from Frankfort, in Franklin county, by
way of Eight Mile Prairie, to Brownsville, in Jackson county.
The same session another law was passed, of which we give only a portion :
Sec. 1 . Of an act to encourage the manufacture of salt, and for the benefit of
Conrad Will and others, authorized the governor to execute a lease to Conrad
Will, free of rent, which lease was to end on December 1st, 1840, and com¬
mence at the expiration of the lease granted to James Pearce. Two years
later, or in 1833, an appropriation of $500 to improve the Big Muddy river
was, by act of Legislature, applied to the improvement of the above men¬
tioned bridge and road.
The earliest record of the grand jurors is the list selected in 1835 at the next
May term of the Circuit Court. It was “ ordered by the court that the fol¬
lowing persons be selected as grand jurors to serve at the next May term of
the Circuit Court, to wit : Reason Wright, Charles M. Robarts, Josiah B.
Deming, John Cline, John Provence, Andrew Jones, Sr., Richard Bradley,
Thomas Parrish, Thomas L. Ross, George Schwartz, Richard Taylor, George
Holliday, Benjamin Henderson, John Tyner, Thomas Stewart, Titus Hinch-
cliff, Clement C Cornway, James Ozburn, Stephen Ellis, Simon Hiller,
Urbane E Robinson, William Elmore, Henry Casey, and — Harris.”
The court further ordered that the following be selected as traverse jurors
to serve at the next May term of the Circuit Court: Jesse Henson, Joel
Chitwood, Gabriel Bilderback, Isaac Jarrett, Jr., William Talbert, — Bar¬
ron, William Peak, Archibald F. Kilpatrick, Casper Butcher, Samuel Road,
John Creekaum, William Cheatam, John Holliday, Jesse Crow, William
Deasou, Imri Byars, Abraham Hanson, James Ripley, Peter Keefer,
Ezekial Lee, John Davis, Isadore Cripps, Christopher Gregory, and John
Lipe.
COUNTY OFFICIALS.
The County Court in 1835 consisted of Phillip Davis, Alexander Cochran,
and Benuingsen Boon. This court granted the first recorded license to re¬
tail liquor. The entry in the books is as follows : “ William B. Axtell came,
and it appeared to the court that he had filed his notice that he would com¬
mence retailing liquors, on the 13th day of November last, and would apply
for license' therefor ; and he now applies for license to keep a tavern and re¬
tail liquors at his residence. Ordered by the court that the same be granted,
at the tax of five dollars and the usual fees for one year, from the said 13th
day of November, 1835.
Phillip Davis.
Alexander Cochran.
Ben. Boon.”
License to sell goods was granted to the above for $8.00.
The following facts, as showing the financial condition of Jackson county,
are taken from the records of 1835. Joel Manning, the clerk of the court,
at the request of the commissioners, prepared and submitted to the court a
statement of moneys owing by the county and to the county. It will be seen
from this that the ideas entertained by the people of that day, as to the proper
method of conducting county affairs, were exceedingly primitive. They seem
never to have realized what seems now to have been generally adopted,
namely, the idea that a county debt is a county blessing ; and these upright,
honest men, positively so conducted county matters as to not only make the
receipts equal, but exceed the disbursements. In this fast age the balance is
always on the other side of the ledger.
“ The clerk having made out a statement of the funds of the county, and
presented the same, it appears that the debtor side amounts to eight hundred
and thirteen dollars and 45! cents ($813,451), and the credit side to the sum
of twelve hundred and forty-eight dollars and 63! cents ($1,248.63!); leav¬
ing a balance due the county of four hundred and thirty-five dollars and 18
cents ($435.18).”
Jefferson Allen served as treasurer from June 1st of this year to June 1st
of the ensuing year. Emanuel Canaday had preceded him in office, but
how many years he was an incumbent of it is not known by the records.
Urbane E. Robinson and Richard R. Taylor, at a regular term of county
commissioners’ court, held at Brownsville, on Monday, the 5th day of Sep¬
tember, 1836, took the several oaths specified by law, and these, with
Alexander Cochran, who held over, constituted the court for 1836. In this
year Joel Manning resigned, and D. H. Brush was appointed to the vacancy
thus created.
The next county court was composed of Richard A. Bradley, George
Schwartz, and Richard Worthen, as appears from the following : “ At a
regular term of the county commissioners’ court, at Brownsville, on Sept.
3rd, 1838, Richard A. Bradley, George Schwartz, and Richard Worthen—
who were at the August election duly elected county commissioners — took
the several oaths prescribed by law.” By lot Bradley held for three years,
Schwartz two years, and Worthen one year
In August of the next year, Urbane E. Robinson was duly elected county
commissioner, vice Mr. Worthen, whose term of office expired. At the
regular September term, 1839, he appeared and took the prescribed oaths.
Mr. R. A. Bradley did not serve out his term, but on the 21st of June, 1840,
resigned. His reason was given in his letter of resignation, which was
couched in these terms :
“To the Hon Clerk of the County Commissioners’ Court: Sir, — Having
become a candidate for the Legislature, I hereby offer my resignation as one
of the county commissioners of said county, this the 2nd day of June, 1843.
R. A. Bradley.”
In the following August two members of the court were chosen, namely,
George Butcher and Thomas B. Hill. They qualified September 1st, 1843.
Mr. Butcher drew the long term, and Mr. Hill filled the vacancy for one
year.
The following persons have been members of the county commissioners’
court, in addition to those already mentioned :
The court, in 1843, was composed of George Butcher (chairman), Thomas
B. Hill, Peter Gill
1845 — Peter Gill, George Butcher, Jefferson Allen.
1846 — George Butcher, William Doty, Jefferson Allen.
1847 — William Doty, Jefferson Allen, Phillip Kirnmel.
1848 — William Doty, Phillip Kimmel, W. E. Robinson.
1849 — Andrew Jones, Phillip Kimmel, W. E. Robinson.
After this period the members were elected for four instead of three years.
1850— 54 — Jefferson Allen, William Bradley, W. E. Robinson.
1854-58 — William Bradley, Peter Gill, M. F. Swartzcope.
1858-62 — John B. Clinton, William Hagler, Thomas Parrish.
1862-66 — Thomas B. Clinton, Joseph B. Davis, Ed. Dively.
The members of the last court were — Robert A. Beasley (chairman),
Edward McGuire, Henry E. Williamson.
Present Board — R. A. Beasley, Henry E. Williamson, Phillip R. Davis.
It should be stated that prior to the year 1872 one member of the court
attended to the probate business.
A change in the statute was made, which took effect that year, and pro¬
vided for the election of a county judge, who was to have control of all pro¬
bate matters.
FIRST COUNTY' JUDGE.
William Bradley, Jr., at the time the change was made, was a member of
the commissioners’ court. He was the first county judge. He is a man of
great popularity, and it is needless to say was efficient in the discharge of its
duties. He was succeeded in office by Judge C. H. Layman, whose legal
attainments are of the first order. At the November election in 1877, Geo.
W. Andrews, a courteous gentleman and good lawyer, was elevated by the
people to this important position.
Dr. John Ford, of Murphysboro’, served most wisely and well the people
in the office of county superintendent of schools. He succeeded in awaken¬
ing much interest in the cause of popular education. Dr. L. H. Redd, of De
Sota, a capable and earnest man, filled this position for the first four years,
ending in 1877. Mr. John M. Reeder, a young man of experience in teach¬
ing, and of good attainments, now fills the office.
16
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
CLERKS.
The names of the first five clerks have already been noticed, viz. : William
Wilson, Timothy Nash, Ed. Humphries, Joel Manning, and D. H. Brush.
D. H. Brush was three times elected to the offices of clerk and recorder the
first time in August, 1837, and the last in August, 1843. His term of office
expired in 1847. He was succeeded in office by Brown Keith, who was
elected August 2, 1847, and qualified as clerk, September 6, and as recorder,
September 8, 1847. John A. Logan, since so distinguished amidst the ranks
of war and in the peaceful walks of life, was elected clerk of couuty commis¬
sioners’ court, November 6, 1849, and qualified on the 9th of December
same year. He was succeeded in office by Thomas L. Hall, who was elected
in November, 1853. Mr. Hall was re-elected on the 3d of November, 1857,
and again re-elected in 1861, but died during his term of office. The vacancy
thus occasioned was filled by Hugh Crawford, who served till November 25th,
1865. In this year was chosen, for the clerkship, John F. Coven, who quali¬
fied, November 25th. James W. Hull served until 1873, was commissioned
November 11, 1869. He was succeeded by Mr. Ben. Johnson, a genial, and
clever gentleman, and one who has filled the duties of the office with marked
ability. At the last November election, Mr. Kirkham, an obliging and
capable gentleman, was the successful candidate. Mr. Kirkham has had
experience in the office, having been Mr. Johnson’s deputy, and will fill the
office with ability.
SHERIFFS.
Jesse Griggs held this office for many years ; the last time he served the
people of the county in this capacity, was in 1836. He was>succeeded by
the well-known William Worthen, whose occupancy of the office lasted until
1838.
Mr- Worthen was succeeded by James M. Reynolds, who served one year
only.
Jefferson Holliday, honorably connected with the early settlement of the
county, held this office in 1840. When he ceased to act is not shown.
The next on record is James Willis, who was elected August 7th, 1843, and
qualified on the 19th of September of the same year.
Mr. Willis was re elected on August 5th, 1844, and qualified on Sept. 19th,
of the same year.
Benjamin Henderson was elected sheriff on the 3d of August, 1846, and
qualified on October 12th. He died before the expiration of his term. Who
served out the term is not shown.
John Redfield was elected sheriff on the 22d of August, 1847. He was
superseded in office by John Elmore, elected on the 7th of August, 1848,
and served until January 6th, 1851.
John B. Clinton was elected to this office on the 5th of November, 1850,
(it will be noticed that the election day was this time changed), but did not
assume the duties of his office until the 6th of January of the next year.
William Cox was next. He was elected on Nov. 2d, 1852. He resigned
this office on the 4th of October, 1854.
Ed. H. Reese is not on record, and we only find that his term expired Nov.
4th, 1856.
William Cox was next, again being elected on the above day and year.
Mr. Cox was followed by Abel C. Davis. He by William Cox. He by
Joseph H. Reeves. He by James C. Thompson. He by Joseph H. Culley.
Next followed Gilbert J. Burr, whose right to the office was contested by his
opponent, James C. Thompson.
Next, was Joseph F. Robinson, and then James H. Campbell, who died
before the expiration of his term. Franklin B. Hanks was elected to fill the
vacancy thus created. Mr. Hanks was succeeded by John B. Kimball, and
he by the present incumbent, Bejarnin F. Sams.
STATE AND PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.
Samuel D. Marshall held this office in 1837. No further record is obtaina¬
ble, till we come down to 1862. Since that period, the list is found to com¬
prise a very remarkable array of talent. And first, since then, Monroe C.
Ciawford, now the able judge of this circuit, whose vigorous and impartial
administration of justice in his present high office, has endeared him to the
hearts of all who love order, law and peace.
George W. Wall, lately chosen judge by a handsome majority, in a neigh¬
boring circuit, and highly distinguished in legal circles for his great attain¬
ments in his profession, came next.
Mr. Wall was followed by Col. R. R. Townes, a man who won renown as
Colonel of a regiment of Illinois volunteers, and is a good lawyer.
Mr. Towner was succeeded by Mr. A. R. Pugh, of our own county, who
did himself great and lasting credit, by the faithful and energetic discharge of
his duties, during the most trying period of our history. His name will not
soon .be forgotten by the people for this, and yet, no doubt, is remembered by
members of the famous “Williamson County Vendetta,” and “ Calahan
Clan,” who now languish behind prison bars at Joliet.
Mr. Pugh was succeeded in office by William A. Lemma, the present occu¬
pant. Judge Lemma fills an office that, as the above list shows, has been
occupied by men of distinguished ability, but those who know him, know
that he will fill it ably and well. He is a man of fine presence and ability*
and great and increasing popularity.
TREASURERS.
The first on record to fill this office (it is well to remember, that in early
times, one man filled nearly all the offices of the court), is Emanuel Cannady.
When he assumed and relinquished the duties of the office, is not shown. It
was prior to January 1st, 1835, however, for we find that Jefferson Allen
served as Treasurer from that date till the first of June, 1836.
Mr. Allen was followed in office by William Doty, who took charge on the
7th of March, 1837, as the following record shows :
“ At a regular term of the County Commissioners’ Court, held at Browns¬
ville, on March 7th, 1837, William Doty was appointed Treasurer for the
ensuing year. Bond in $2,000, approved.”
Mr. Doty served until Sept. 4th, 1837. John Byars was the next Treas¬
urer, as witness the following : “ At an election held in August, 1837, John
Byars was duly elected Treasurer, and on Sept. 4th, 1837, was duly qualified,
and filed his bond in the sum of 84,000.”
John M. Hanson was elected first Monday in August, 1839, filed bond
Sept. 3d, 1839, 83,000. Qualified and served to Sept. 4th, 1843.
William Pike was elected to this responsible office on August 7th, of this
year. He qualified September 4th, 1843, and served until March 6th, 1845.
The next Treasurer was Thomas M. Sams, brother of Ben. F. Sams, our
present efficient Sheriff. He was appointed to a vacancy caused by the
retirement of William Pike, by the County Commissioners’ Court, on the
29th of April, 1845. His term expired on Sept. 5th, of the same year.
William R. Phelps was elected to his office on Aug. 4th, 1845. Qualified
on the 3d of September, same year. His term expired on Sept. 22d, 1846.
The next custodian of public funds, was Jacob Shultz, appointed by
County Court, on September 22d, 1846.
Washington Davis was the next incumbent of the office, elected August
2d, 1847, resigned Dec. 11th of the same year. On the 8th of January,
1848, William Garner was appointed by the court to fill the vacancy, caused
by Mr. Davis’ resignation.
Daniel Worthen was elected on Nov. 7th, 1848, and served for oue year.
Julius Bainberge was chosen to the office on Nov. 6th, 1849, but, failing
to qualify, on the 11th of January, 1850, the County Court appointed Clai¬
borne Barrow to the position.
The next was N. B. Henderson, who assumed the duties of this office on .
Nov. 8th, 1853. He was succeeded by B. M. Parrish, on the 11th of Nov.
1855. Mr. Parish resigned his office, and the County Court appointed, on
March 6th, 1857, C. W. Easterly, to the vacancy. Mr. E. served until Nov.
13th, 1857. m
On the 3d of this month, Edward McGuire was elected as Treasurer, and
qualified on the 13th of the same month.
Next, came John L. Phelps, who being removed, his- place was filled by
Edward McGuire.
Next, came Davis Cox, and then Jefferson Conner, then Oliver Cross, then
Cornelius C. Culley, and then Gilbert J. Burr, who was re-elected, then
William Bradley, who is now serving his second term.
CIRCUIT CLERKS.
A list can be given of these since 1857. William Wilson, at an early day,
discharged the duties of this and several other offices ; as also did Timothy
Nash, Ed. Humphries, Joel Manning, and Col. D. H. Brush.
Edward H. Reese was clerk from 1857 — perhaps before — till July 1st,
1860, at which time he resigned. Judge A. M. Jenkins appointed, on July
3d, James P. Watson to fill the vacancy so occasioned. Mr. Watson was
elected to this office by the people on November 8th, 1864 ; qualified,
November 18th, 1864, and served until his death.
John Ford was appointed to fill the vacancy, and took the prescribed oath
on the 15th day of September, 1865.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
17
Gilbert J. Barr was elected in the following November to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of Mr. Watson, and filed his bond on November 25th,
1865.
Hugh Crawford next held the office, and he was succeeded by the present
efficient clerk, Mr. Robert W. Hamilton. So faithfully did this latter
gentleman perform the onerous duties of his responsible position, that the
people elected him a second time to it.
CORONERS.
Samuel Bowers held this office in 1837, and Alexander Cochran in 1840.
John Devine, of Grand Tower, now discharges its duties to the satisfaction
of the public.
COUNTY SURVEYORS.
Claiborne Barrow has held this office, as have also M. F. Swartzcope,
Edward Newsome. John A. Werner is the present incumbent of the office.
A List of the Senators and Representatives from Jackson
County (or the District in which said County was included)
from 1818 to 1877.
SENATORS.
In 1818-19 — Conrad Will.
In 1820-22 — William Boone.
In 1824-26— Joseph Duncan.
From 1828 to 1834— Conrad Will.
From 1835 to 1842 — Braxton Parrish.
In 1844-46 — Willis Allen.
In 1849 — Hawkins S. Osburn.
In 1855 — John E. Detrich.
1857-59— E. C. Coffey.
1861 — James W. Rodgers.
1863 — Israel Blanchard.
1865-67 — Daniel Riley.
1869 — Samuel Iv. Casey.
1871 — S. K. Casey and Jas. M. Washburn.
1873-5-7 — Jessse Ware.
REPRESENTATIVES.
In 1818-19 — Jesse Griggs.
From 1820 to 1826 — Conrad Will.
In 1828 — S- H. Kemmell.
In 1830 — No name on file from Jackson county.
In 1832 — Alexander M. Jenkins.
In 1834 — James Harreld.
From 1836 to 1840 — John Logan.
Ip 1842-44 — R. A. Bradley.
In 1846 — John Logan.
In 1849 — R. A. Bradley.
In 1853 — John A. Logan.
In 1855 — Thomas M. Sams.
In 1857 — John A. Logan.
In 1859 — James Hampton.
In 1861 — Peter Keifer.
In 1863 — James M. Washburn.
In 1865 — William H. Logan.
In 1867 — Hugh Gregg.
In 1869 — E. L. Denison.
In 1871 — William Schwartz.
In 1873 — William A. Lemma, W. J. Inscore, and John H. Oberley.
In 1875 — F. E. Albright, M. J. Inscore, and Claiborne Winston..
In 1877 — F. E. Albright, A. H. Irwin, and W. H. Woodward.
change of county seat in 1843.
Brownsville, until its extinction, the capital of the county, was situated on
the right bank of the Muddy, at a distauce of nearly five miles a little south
of west of Murphysboro’. This, for many years, was the only town in the
county. Around it are grouped many interesting recollections. This was
the place where all the citizens entitled to the elective franchise assembled in
those early days to vote, viva voce, for the men of their choice, and on ques¬
tions of state and national interest; where the militia mustered on the green
on the glorious training day ; where the then youthful Sidney Breese, now so
distinguished as a jurist in our state and throughout our nation, failed in his
first pleading; where Governor Duncan addressed the people powerfully
from the stump; where Alexander M. Jenkins, Captain in the Black Hawk
war, Lieutenant-Governor of Illinois, and Judge of Circuit, learned the
trade of a carpenter in his youth ; where Conrad Will cracked jokes and
manufactured salt : Brownsville, whose site is now a wheat field, ceased to be
the capital in 1843.
As we stood upon the site of this ancient village, which, though scarcely
known to have had an existence by the present generation, yet lives in the
memories of the old settlers, and observed the few, faint traces that have
survived the lapse of time, the well-remembered lines of Goldsmith, in
his “ Deserted Village,” came, unbidden to our lips :
“Sweet was the sound, when oft, at evening’s close,
Up yonder hill the village murmur rose;
There as I passed with careless steps and slow,
The mingling notes came softened from below ;
The swain responsive as the milkmaid sung:
The sober herd that low’d to meet their young ;
The noisy geese that gabbled o’er the pool;
The playful children just let loose from school;
The watch-dog’s voice that bayed the whispering wind,
And the loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind ;
These all in sweet confusion sought the shade,
And filled each pause the nightingale had made.
But now the sounds of population fail,
No cheerful murmurs fluctuate in the gale,
No busy steps the grass-grown foot-wav tread,
But all the bloomy flush of life is fled.
******
Near yonder copse, where once the garden smiled,
And still where many a garden- flower grows wild;
There, where a few torn shrubs the place disclose,
The village preacher’s modest mansion rose.
******
Beside yon straggling fence that skirts the way,
With blossom’d furze unprofitably gay,
There, in his noisy mansion, skilled to rule,
The village master taught his little school:
A man severe he was, and stern to view,
I knew him well, and every truant knew ;
Well had the boding tremblers learned to trace
The day’s disaster in his morning face.
******
Yet he was kind, or, if severe in aught,
The love he bore to learning was in fault ;
The village all declared how much he knew,
’Twas certain he could write, and cipher too;
Lands he could measure, terms and tides presage,
And e’en the story ran — that he could gauge :
In arguing too, the parson owned his skill,
For e’en though vanquished, he could argue still ;
While words of learned length, and thund’ring sound,
Amazed the gazing rustics ranged around, —
And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew,
That one small head could carry all he knew.
But past is all his fame. The very spot
Where many a time he triumphed, is forgot.”
The description of the tavern in “ Sweet Auburn” suits well that kept in
the “ pleasant days of old ” by Jesse Griggs, and where Diza Jenkins, who
afterwards became the wife of Joel Manning, worked.
“ Near yonder thorn, that lifts its head on high,
Where once the sign-post caught the passing eye,
Low lies that house where nut-brown draughts inspired,
Where grav-beard mirth, and smiling toil retired,
Where village statesmen talked with looks profound,
And news much older than their ale went round.
Imagination fondly stoops to trace
The parlor splendors of that festive place;
The white-washed wall, the nicely sanded floor,
The varnished clock that clicked behind the door ;
18
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, , ILLINOIS.
The chest contrived a double debt to pay,
A bed by night, a chest of drawers by day ;
The hearth, except when winter chilled the day,
With aspen boughs, and flowers and fennel gay.
Vain transitory splendors ! could not all
Reprieve the tottering mansion from its fall?
Thither no more the peasant shall repair,
To sweet oblivion of his daily care;
No more the farmer’s news, the barber’s tale,
No more the woodman's ballad shall prevail,
No more the smith his dusky brow shall clear,
Relax his ponderous strength, and learn to hear.
******
Yes! let the rich deride, the proud disdain,
These simple blessings of the lowly train,
To me more dear, congenial to my heart,
One native charm, than all the gloss of art.”
But we forbear, as were we to quote all of the beautiful poem, which ap¬
plies to the past and present of old Brownsville, we should have to transfer
it entire to our columns. Maybe some poet one day shall embalm recollec¬
tions of this deserted village in verse not less pleasing, poetical, and enduring
than that which has immortalized Lissoy as “ Sweet Auburn, loveliest village
of the plain ”
The court-house was a frame building, two stories in height, and was only
partly seated. Various theories have been suggested concerning the origin
of the fire, but the following is the most plausible, and is probably the cor¬
rect one: In one of the rooms was kept the “ little school” of the village.
It may be well to remark that to insure greater security against fire, the
court-house occupied the centre of an entire square, in which were no other
buildings. Hence the fire must have originated in the building itself. The
pupils of the school were in the habit of removing the hot ashes and coals
from the stove and throwing them into the ash-box. It was supposed that
the box was fired in this way, and thus the flames were communicated to the
structure. It was shortly after midnight, on the morning of the 10th of
January, 1843, when Mrs. Lyons, an old lady, first discovered that the
building, containing the records of the county stretching over a period of 27
years, was on fire. At the time she first saw it there was but a small blaze,
but some minutes elapsed before an alarm could be given to the sleeping in¬
habitants. No adequate means existed for subduing the flames, and it was
at once seen that the court-house was doomed.
D. H. Brush, at that time, County Clerk, Circuit Clerk and Recorder,
rushed into the burning building, at the imminent hazard of his life, to save
the county records in Ids charge. All that were rescued from the flaming
structure, were saved hy his heroic exertions. But few, however, were saved,
and the most of the books of the county, containing so much information
relating to the civil history of the county in its earlier years, and relating to
her officials and their acts, and which can never be restored, were consumed.
The building. burned like tinder, and in a short time, the site of the court¬
house was covered with black and smoking ruins, and the sun rose the next
morniug upon a town whose days were numbered.
In this condition of affairs, it was necessary to appeal to the Legislature
then in session at Springfield. Our representatives had no difficulty in pro¬
curing the passage of a bill, creating a Board of Investigation, to restore
official records. The bill was approved by Gov. Ford on the first day of Feb¬
ruary, 1843. By the provisions of the bill, William Doty, Willis Allen and
Jefferson Allen, were appointed as the investigating board for Jackson
county, in “ relation to the Records of the office of the Clerk of the Circuit
Court, County Commissioners’ Court, Probate Justice of the Peace and
County Recorder,” which were destroyed by fire at the period above stated.
D. H. Brush was clerk of this board, and M. F. Swartzcope was employed
by it to visit the county of Randolph, and transcribe needed records from its
books. This board honestly performed its duty, but of course, the loss could
never be entirely made up.
Brownsville was too far west in the county, and this fact was felt by a
majority of the citizens.
The Legislature passed at the instance of our representatives, the following
bill:
An Ad in relation to the county seat of Jackson county.
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois, represented
in the General Assembly, that Samuel F. Russell, of Williamson county,
William C. Murphy, of Perry county, and John Cochran, of Union county,
be, and they are, hereby appointed Commissioners to re-locate the county
seat of Jackson county.
Sec. 2. Said Commissioners, or a majority of them, shall meet in the town
of Brownsville, on the second Monday in August next, or within a reasona¬
ble time thereafter, and, after being duly sworn to the faithful discharge of
their duties, shall proceed to examine such parts of said county as they may
think proper, to enable them to locate said county seat for the public good.
The Commissioners shall make said location as near the center of said county
as an eligible site can be procured, taking into consideration the public
interest. The Commissioners shall make out and return to the Clerk of the
County Commissioners’ Court, a certificate of the re-location of said county,
which shall be recorded by the clerk.
Sec- 3. If the location of the county seat shall be made on private pro¬
perty, the owner shall be required to donate a tract of land, not less than
twenty acres, which shall include the town site selected by said Commission¬
ers, and shall convey the same by a good deed to the county of Jackson.
Sec. 4. The County Commissioners of Jackson county, as soon as the
county seat is located under this, the provisions of this Act, shall pro reed to
lay off into lots, and sell so much of said tract of laud as may seem to them
best for the interest of said county, which shall be sold at public auction
after having given due notice of the time and place of said sale. The pro¬
ceeds of the sale to be applied, under the direction of the County Commis¬
sioners, to the erection of public buildings for said county.
Sec. 5. After the county seat shall have been located as provided for in
this Act, the county officers of Jackson county, who are required by law to
keep their offices at the county seat, as soon as they can procure suitable places
for keeping their offices, shall move the same to the county seat so located.
Sec. 6. On the removal of said county seat, the county officers of Jackson
county, shall give public notice, and proceed to sell to the best bidder, all the
public property owned by the county iu the town of Brownsville, and the
proceeds of all such sales shall be applied to the erection of public buildings,
under the direction of the County Commissioners, at the county seat, when
located under the provisions of this act: Provided, that they may retain the
jail until they shall think it necessary to build a jail at the county seat when
located.
Sec. 7. The County Commissioners shall, immediately on the location of
the county seat, proceed to cause to be erected at the county seat a suitable
court-house, and other necessary buildings for public uses, which shall be
prosecuted with all reasonable diligence.
Sec. 8. The Commissioners appointed by this act to relocate the county
seat of Jackson county, shall be allowed a reasonable compensation for their
services, to be paid out of the treasury of Jackson county.
Sec. 9. If the county seat shall be located on public land, the Commis¬
sioners shall inform the County Commissioners thereof, who shall imme¬
diately procure the purchase of said land for the county upon which they
shall cause a town to be laid off, and the lots sold, the proceeds of which shall
be applied to the erection of public buildings.
Sec. 10. That at an election to be held in the county of Jackson, on the
first Monday iu August, the judges of said electiou in the several precincts
shall open a column in their poll books, in which they shall be required to
record all the votes of the legal voters of said county, for or against the
removal of said county seat, and return the same to the Clerk of the County
Commissioners’ Court, who shall, in the presence of two justices of the peace,
open and examine the same, and if there shall be a majority of the votes in
favor of the removal of the said county seat, this act to be in full force and
virtue, and if a majority of the votes of said county be opposed to the removal
of said county seat, this act to be null and void.
[Approved Feb'y 24th, 1 843, by Oov. Ford.]
As was fully expected, a majority of the votes were in favor of removal,
and the above act was consequently in “ full force and virtue.”
The Commissioners named in the bill met at the specified place at the
appointed time, and ,. after the required oath by the Clerk of the County
Court, D. H. Brush, addressed themselves at once to the accomplishment of
the task imposed upon them.
Dr. John Logan, an old and influential citizen, offered to donate to the
county, for its new capital, a tract of twenty acres of land. After due
deliberation, his offer was accepted. The public square of Murphysbon ’
occupies the centre of this tract. The deed of Dr. Logan and wife to the
county, which was recorded on Sept. 13th, 1843, will be found on page 66 of
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
19
Book 2. The land was received for the county by its agents, Thomas B. Hill
and Peter Gill, and certified to by them and John Mansfield and C. Sarony
The Board of Commissioners created by the act given above, requested,
when the subject of naming the new county seat was reached, the County
Commissioners and their Clerk to vote with them on it, which they did.
Mr. Cochran, of Union, was an ardent admirer of Gen. James Shields,
who had won great renown for soldierly qualities and gallantry in the war
with Mexico ; who had rode at the head of a brigade of Illinois troops, and
was brevetted Major-General for capacity and intrepidity ; the soldier who was
shot through and through at the battle of Cerro Gordo, and was reported at
home as killed, but who lived to add to the brightness of his military fame
by services under Scott at Cherubusco and Chepultepec.
Therefore, he made a motion that the new capital be called Shieldsboro,
and his motion prevailed over all opposition.
For a very short period, this was the name of the county seat of Jackson,
and then it was rechristened Murpliysboro’ , in honor of William C. Murphy,
of Perry, one of the locating Commissioners, who, while in the Legislature,
had exerted himself to further the interests of this county.
Before this, the Legislature, with wise forethought, had passed a bill, in
force March 1st, 1843, authorizing the County Commissioners of Jackson
county to borrow money for certain purposes named therein.
By this, the County Commissioners were authorized to make a loan of
money on behalf of the county of any person or persons, not to exceed three
thousand dollars, which money, when so borrowed, the law specified, should
be applied to the erection of a court-house in said county, and for no other
purpose.
The money was borrowed, and the temple of justice was erected on the
public square early in the ensuing year, and the citizens of the county began
to experience the blessings of a county debt.
The same year the jail, which was a wooden structure situated in a corner
of the court-house square, was built, and served as a place for the incarcera¬
tion of criminals until the year 1865. It that year the present building,
which cost, (some think,) a rather fancy price, was built.
The Board of Commissioners, in 1877, feeling that the condition of the
court-house was a reproach to the county, advertised for bids on repairs and
additions. The appearance of the building, when complete, will be very
handsome, as may be seen by turning to the lithograph of it in this book.
On opeuing the sealed proposals, it was found that Isaac Rapp, of Carbon-
dale, was the lowest responsible bidder. His bid was $10,850. Some
changes having been made in the plan, and some extras being needed, it is
calculated that the total expenditure on the builchng will be, when complete,
about $18,000.
COUNTY INDEBTEDNESS.
The amount, on the 1st of September, 1876, was $76,112.44. This is
something of a burden. At present, it bears too great a rate of interest.
The finances of the county need looking into more thoroughly. Surely the
scrip of so rich and great a county should be worth more than 85 cents on
the dollar.
THE GREAT FLOOD OF 1844.
In the year 1844, in the month of June, occurred an unprecedented rise
in the Mississippi river. The mighty volume of water scorned to be confined
by its banks, and overleaped them, causing wide-spread dismay and destruc¬
tion. Some idea of the great height to which the angry waters rose, will be
gained, when it is said that a steamboat rode through the streets of Kaskas-
kia. and rescued from the upper windows of the old convent, the terrified
nuns, who had about given up all hope of aid.
The water rose more than four feet above the highest mark of the flood of
1851, when the current of Muddy river is said to have been reversed and ran
up stream for a month.
The inhabitants of bottoms, in many cases, lost their all, and barely
escaped with their lives, and the greatest distress was occasioned to all
dwellers in the lower levels of our own and her sister counties.
It was too late for them to replenish their ruined crops, and had it not been
for the charity of those whose location above the flood saved them from a
like calamity, famine would certainly have marked them as his prey. Per¬
sonal property was destroyed, and fences went traveling towards the gulf on
the bosom of the great tide, which was from four to six miles wide.
At the next session of the Legislature, the following Act for the relief of
sufferers, was passed :
An Act for relief of certain persons therein named.
Whereas, the actual settlers in the counties of Madison, St. Clair, Mon¬
roe, Randolph, Jackson, Union, and Alexander, on the Mississippi bottom,
at the time of the late high and unexampled rise in said Mississippi river, in
June, 1844, have suffered great losses in the destruction of personal property,
in the sweeping away of fences and great depreciation of real estate, from
that providential dispensation : And whereas, this General Assembly is im¬
pressed with the propriety and justice of their claim to relief from sharing,
for a time, a portion of the public burden, and to encourage a return of those
persons who have thus suffered, to their homes and late improvements, and
thus restore that interesting section of our State, to its accustomed prosperity,
as this Legislature can accomplish the same : Therefore,
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois, represented in
the General Assembly, That all taxes due and owing to the State of Illinois,
or to either of the above named counties, from persons who were actually
residing on the Mississippi bottom lands in said counties, immediately pre-
ceeding the high rise of water in the said Mississippi river, during the
summer of 1844, and whose farms or improvements were submerged by said
high waters, be, and the same are, hereby remitted and released. And if any
person actually residing at that time, on said bottom, and whose crops or
improvements were destroyed in whole or in part, by said high water, have
paid their taxes for the year 1844, the same shall be remitted by the collec¬
tors of their respective counties, upon being required thereby, by such per¬
son or persons.
Sec. 2. That all persons in the first section of this Act enumerated, shall
be released from all taxes for State or county purposes, which would other¬
wise be collected for the year 1845, and the Assessor in each county above
recited, shall not be required to assess the property, real, personal or mixed,
belonging to such persons in said river bottom.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the collectors in each of the above recited
counties, to submit to County Commissioners’ Court of each of the aboveil
named counties, at their March term, 1845, a list of all taxes remitted under
this Act, which, if approved by court, as within the provisions of this Act,
the same shall be a sufficient receipt or voucher upon which said collectors
may settle with the Auditor of public accounts.
Sec. 4. The Secretary of State shall be required to send a copy of this
Act to the Clerk of the County Commissioners’ Court of each county above
recited, immediately after the passage of this Act, who shall notify the col¬
lectors of their respective counties of the same.
Sec. 5th. The provisions of this Act shall not apply to any person or per¬
sons unless the greater part of their farms or improvements, excepting
buildings, were submerged by said high water, and to no person whose personal
property now exceeds two hundred dollars in value.
Sec. 6. This act shall take effect from and after its passage.
An Act of the following purport went into effect Feb. 3 d, 1843.
The returns of the treasurer of school trustees of the several townships,
and the returns of the trustees of school lands not incorporated in the
counties of Jackson and Clinton, to the school commissionrse of said counties
of the number of white children under the age of twenty years, were not
made in conformity with law, then in force if at all, further time was given
for them to perfect, and make returns until the first day of May next. The
act further provides that all moneys in the hands of the school commis¬
sioners of said counties subject to distribution, which have not been dis¬
tributed, shall be by the said commissioners, as soon as the provisions of the
act shall be complied with, and the commissioners were directed, in appor¬
tioning the same, to make the apportionment according to the number of
children returned according to the provisions of this act-
The Act took effect from and after its passage.
An Act to the following effect was passed January 1st, 1845.
It was enacted at Springfield, by the 14th General Assembly, That all
persons who had in possession, deeds or other written instruments of records
in the recorder’s office in Jackson county, the records of which were con¬
sumed by fire in 1843, who had not presented the same to the board of in¬
vestigation, might at any time hereafter present the same to the recorder,
whose duty it should then be to enter the same on the books of record in his
office, and the said record should be valid in law.
A law went into effect on Feb. 21st, 1845, the preamble recited, that inas¬
much as the records belonging to County Commissioners’ court, including
20
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS
the assessment list of said county for the year one thousand eight hundred
and forty-two, were consumed by fire, in consequence of which, the state and
county tax due for the aforesaid year had never been collected, and further,
that whereas, the County Commissioners had procured from the assessor a
copy of the original assessment list.
It was enacted that the copy of the aforesaid assessment list be, and the
same was made legal, as valid as the original would have been if it had not
been destroyed. And it was made the duty of the clerk of the County
Commissioners’ court, to make out a copy of said list, and hand the same
over to the collectors of Jackson couuty for the year 1845, whose duty it was
made to qualify, give bond, collect the back tax due, account for and pay
over the same in the usual manner at the proper time.
The court were instructed however to strike from said list the names of
those persons living on the Mississippi bottoms, whose property had been
destroyed by the late floods, thereby exempting them or so many of them,
as they may deem unable to pay taxes due from them for the year 1842,
from the payment thereof.
The legislature in session in 1847 passed a bill, the provisions of which
were as follows :
Act of Legislature.
It was enacted that the Muddy Saline Reservation, with its appurte¬
nances, is hereby vested in the county of Jackson, for certain purposes after¬
ward stated.
Mr. Benington Boon, of Jackson county, was appointed agent for the
county, and was required within twelve months from the date of' the passage
of the act to advertise said lands for sale in tracts of not more than BO acres ;
and after advertising the time and place of sale six weeks, in two public
newspapers of the State, to sell the same to the highest cash bidder, or on a
credit of nine months, twelve and eighteen months, under the direction of
the County Court, the purchaser to execute bonds to the county of Jackson,
with approved security and a morgage on the premises, which bond and
mortgage were to be delivered to the treasurer of the couuty.
Sec. 3. Provided that the proceeds of the reservation be expended under
the direction of the County Court of Jackson county, on the road leading
from Murphysboro’, to - , on the Mississippi river, on that point which
lay in the - .
Mr. Boon, by section 4, became entitled to a fair compensation for his
services, to be paid out of the treasury of Jackson county. This fair com¬
pensation, however, was not to exceed one dollar per day, and he was required
to give bond for the faithful performance of the duties of his office.
CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
These will be found treated of more fully in the department of township
sketches. We will simply here give a notice of a few of the more prominent.
(It is well to call attention to the fact that until the construction of the
Illinois Central through the county almost the entire population was rural.
Since then the era of towns has commenced, and along the lines of the
various railroads have sprung up quite a number of cities and towns. Mur¬
physboro’, indeed, dates back to the year 1843, but was a small village until
after the date spoken of. The population of the towns is not far, at present,
from 7,000, or nearly one-third of the population ofthe county).
NAME.
POPULATION.
LOCATION.
Carbondale,
2,500
Eastern portion on I. C. R. R-
Murphysboro’,
2,300
(county seat), Cairo and St. Louis R. R.
Grand Tower,
1,000
South-west G. T. & C. R. R-
Makanda,
300
South-east I. C. R. R-
De Sota,
600
North of Muddy, on I. C. R- R.
Elkville,
150
North-east I. C. R. R.
Ava,
300
North-west C. & St. L. R. R.
Other boroughs are Campbell Hill, Gillsburg, Pomono, Basky Dell. Those
desiring fuller information regarding these, will find it in the histories of
townships.
THE JACKSON COUNTY BAR.
For many years this has had a high reputation, but it is undoubtedly now
stronger in intellect and brighter in talent than ever before. Among those
that have in the past by their ability gained for it such a reputation, we may
make mention of Mr. Dudding, now in California, Judge A. M. Jenkins,
and John A. Logan.
The members of the bar of this county are, many of them, men of culture
and Refinement, who have prepared themselves at the great law universities,
for the practice of their great profession. Some of them, too, are men of
distinguished reputation.
Col. D. H. Brush is perhaps the oldest practitioner, and has been a suc¬
cessful man in his profession. His residence is in Carbondale. Judge Andrew
D. Duff, also of Carbondale, is widely known as one deeply versed in the law,
and needs no eulogy from us. Hon. W. J. Allen, of Carbondale, is a lawyer
in whom are united profound knowledge of his profession and great oratorical
ability. He is employed much in criminal cases. Hon. Isaac Clements, of
Carbondale, stands well in his profession. He is popular with the masses,
and has represented his district in Congress. He is at present one of the
Commissioners of the Southern Illinois Penitentiary. Hon. Win. A. Lemma,
the present prosecuting attorney, is n man of high attainments and great
popularity. He resides in Carbondale. His partner, Hon. W. W. Barr, is
an orator of no ordinary gifts, and a good lawyer. Hon. F. E. Albright, of
Murphysboro’, now representing his district in the legislature for a second
term, is aptly named. He is conceded to be bright in the law.
Hon. AVilliam A. Woodward, of Carbondale, member of the legislature,
was educated for his profession at the law school of Bloomington, Iud. He
is energetic and will succeed. Judge J. Banks Mayhan is an educated gentle¬
man who has by his courtesy and ability made many friends and secured a
good practice.
George H. H. Andrews, county judge, is a man of fine presence and good
attainments. George W. Smith is a young man who is rapidly rising in his
profession. He is a man of integrity, industry and ability. So also is his
partner, R. J. Stephens, a clear-headed and well-educated young man. Judge
C. H. Layman, ex-county judge, is conceded to possess a fine judicial mind.
George W. Hill is a young man of great energy and good education; with
him there’s no such word as fail. A. D. Norman, of Carbondale, is a rising
man and possesses a capacity for work that is enviable INI. C. White has
not long been a member of the bar, but during his short connection with it
has established himself as a capable and worthy man. II. A. Bradley, a
native of the county, who has been honored by being placed in positions of
responsibility by the electors of this county, completes the list. It will be
seen that the array of talent is truly a remarkable one, and justifies the
statement often made, that Jackson county has one of the most able bars to
be found in any county of the State.
THE GREAT REBELLION.
When the tocsin of war was heard in the dark days, the sons of Jack-
son crowded forward to offer their swords to the National Government.
We may well be proud of her part in the war. The lawyer left his office,
the artisan his shop, the physician his practice, the farmer his plow, and
marched away, ’neath flaunting banners, to the stirring, martial music, in
defence of the grand principle of nationality.
Many of her sons greatly distinguished themselves. One of them com¬
manded an army corps, and won a reputation for military capacity second to
none. Others gallantly rode at the head of regiments, and led their follow¬
ers to victory. Others commanded companies and did gallant service for the
flag. The greater portion, however, served as privates in that grand army
which went sadly forth against their brethren in defence of their principles.
Many of those that left home and friends for the tented field with thoughts
of glory uppermost in their minds, never returned. Their country demanded
the sacrifice, and they cheerfully laid down their promising young lives for
her. A full list of the officers and soldiers furnished by our couuty during
the war for the Union and the war with Mexico will be found in another
part of this work. God grant that never more may the horrors of civil war
darken our land We repeat it, Jackson has reason to be proud of the con¬
duct of her sons in the hour of danger. Far to the south and west they
have pressed at their country’s call, till their victorious feet trod the halls
of the Montezumas. Wherever duty called they were found. They never
have been found wanting. The blood of the old pioneers flowed in their veins
and they were incapable of fear. With
“Cheers for the living and tears for the dead ”
we leave them to the enjoyment of their well-won laurels.
w&sm
1 1
wiT®
111
ROBT A- BEASLEY^
ED Y M? GUIRE > COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
henry williamson)
BUILDINGS
Jackson County
Illinois
The
COUNTY
-
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
21
FORM OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
This county, in 1872, adopted township organization, but soon changed
back to the old form of government.
In 1877 they voted in favor of township organization a second time. It
would be the part of wisdom, this time, to test for several years the new
method of government. Its advantages or disadvantages cannot be fully
discovered in one year, nor in two. There will be jars, perhaps, in the
machinery, that will cease after a time when inexperience is succeeded by
thorough knowledge of the new method. Let the people try it for not less
than five years. Then will its superiority or inferiority to the other method
be for ever settled, and on it the seal of approval or condemnation will be set
beyond the power of change.
The following is a true and correct statement of the property assessed for
the county of Jackson for the year 1877, as taken from the Assessor’s returns,
and certified to the Auditor by Ben Johnson, clerk County Court :
PERSONAL PROPERTY.
Number.
Av. value.
Ass. value.
Horses of all ages .
4,347
827
57
8119,863
Cattle of all ages .
6,745
7
75
52,282
Mules and asses of all ages .
1,795
30
18
54,173
Sheep of all ages .
1
04
3,577
Hogs of all ages .
14,339
1
23
17,700
Steam engines, including boilers .
38
331
05
12,580
Fire and burglar-proof safes .
14
112
50
1,575
Billiard, pigeon-hole, bagatelle, or similar, tables
12
25
83
310
Carriages and wagons of’ whatsoever kind . .
1,925
18
78
36,153
Watches and clocks .
1,724
5
16
8.894
Sewing and knitting machines .
916
22
96
21,034
Pianofortes .
83
75
24
6,245
Melodeous and organs .
84
36
43
3,060
Franchises .
Annuities and royalties .
Patent rights .
.
Steamboats or other water craft .
1
50
00
50
Total assessed value of enumerated property . 8337,496
AMOUNT OF UNENUMERATED PROPERTY.
Merchandise . 868,905
Materials and manufactured articles . 2,980
Manufactured tools, implements and machinery . 6,107
Agricultural tools, *• “ . 32,813
Gold and silver plate, and plated ware . 270
Diamonds and jewelry . 50
Moneys of banks, bankers, and brokers, etc . 970
Credits “ “ “ . 1.600
Moneys of other than bankers . 13,621
Credits of other than bankers . 26,500
Bonds and stocks . 2,750
Pawnbrokers’ property .
Property of corporations not before enumerated .
Property of saloons and eating-houses . 715
Household and office furniture . 68,744
Investments in real estate, and improvements thereon . 6,568
Shares of stock, State and National Banks .
All other personal property . 18,162
Total assessed value of unenumerated property . • . 8250,755
RAILROAD PROPERTY ASSESSED IN COUNTY.
Class C, personal property . 823,038
Class D, Lands . No. acres . 8,629 Av. value 89 47 81,874
Class D, Lots.' . /No. lots . . 749 “ 11 72 8,785
Total value railroad property assessed . 8113,697
REAL ESTATE LANDS.
Ass. value.
Improved lands .... No. acres 101,894 Av. value 87 41 8754 969
TT-: _ a « 9n«F;i7 “ 9. 14 445818
Total . 81,200,282
REAL ESTATE.
Improved town and city lots . No. lots 1,233 Av. value 8283 72 8349,636
Unimproved “ . “ 2,417 “ 18 91 45,699
Total . 8395,335
Total value of all taxable property assessed in county- . 82,297,565
Acres in cultivation — wheat, 43,123 ; corn, 31,269; oats, 4,571; meadows,
6,486; other field products, 2,498; acres in enclosed pasture, 8,883 ; in
orchard, 3,524. Total land, 171,467.
The State Board of Equalization raised this 16 per cent.
Such is a resume of the civic history of our county. It requires no mar¬
vellous gifts of second sight to prophesy her coming greatness. Few coun¬
ties in the State have a brighter future.
Her agricultural and mineral resources are great, and the preducts of her
farms and mines will swell as the years circle away. Few counties have
such advantageous commercial outlets. Along her western border, through¬
out its entire extent, there washes ceaselessly by, the great river of the earth.
This affords us a cheap transportation to northern, eastern and southern
markets.
In addition to this valuable natural means of outlet, traversing the county
from north to south, runs the Illinois Central Railroad, one of the best
managed corporations in the State; on this line, northward, run, at certain
seasons, with few stoppages, the special fruit- trains. The Grand Tower and
Carbondale and the Carbondale and Shawneetown railroads, forming a con¬
tinuous line, link together our eastern and western borders. In addition,
the Cairo and St. Louis traverses the heart of the county in the general
direction of from north to south.
Hither at no distant day will tread the footsteps of a busy and mighty
population ; lured by the great inducements our county offers, will come the
capitalist to invest his millions, and the honest immigrant in search of a
home. Again will the iron of our sister State journey to our border, to be
freed from all its impurities and made fit for the service of man.
A day of greater brightness dawns for our county. Our soil is good ; our
climate healthful ; our stores of fuel absolutely inexhaustible; our timber of"
good quality; our markets, for all that can be raised, are near and easily ac¬
cessible; our citizens are industrious, intelligent and moral; and the voice
of the teacher is heard throughout our boundaries. All elements of progrss
and greatness are at hand. Our county has produced great men, whose
voices heard amid the din of conflict, have given courage and hope in the
contest, or when heard amid the councils of the nation, have commanded at¬
tention. She yet will produce the poet and the scholar, whose “ words shall
fire men’s hearts till the world’s mad race bs run.”
‘‘ But all too long through seas unknown and dark,
By shoal and rock hath steered my venturous bark,
And landward now I drive before the gale,
And now the blue and distant port I hail,
And nearer now I see the port expand,
And how I gladly furl my weary sail.”
CHAPTER III.
ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY..
SLAVES BROUGHT INTO COUNTY — MILITIA — NAVIGATION OF BIG MUDDY RIVER —
FIRST CARGO OF COAL.
HIS year, 1816, Jackson county was organized. Jit was the tenth
county formed in the state, and became entitled to one delegate
in the Territorial Legislature. At the time of its formation the
name of a military officer was ringing throughout the land for a
heroic defence of a beleagured city. During the war of 1812, signalized by
the cowardly surrender of General Hull at Detroit, by the heroic defence of
the fort at Lower Sandusky by the youthful Croghan, by Perry’s glorious
victory on Lake Erie, by the defeat of General Proctor, and the great Indian
warrior, Tecumseh, at the battle of the lhames, and by the battle of Lundy s
Lane. General Andrew Jackson of Tennessee, then commander of the
American forces in the South, in the year 1814, while at his head quarters
in Mobile, received authentic information that preparations were making
22
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, , ILLINOIS.
for a formidable invasion of Louisiana, and an attack on New Orleans. He
immediately repaired to that city, which was in great confusion and alarm,
restored order and inspired confidence, organized the militia, and erected
fortifications, thus preparing for a vigorous defence. On the 22d of Decem¬
ber about 2,400 of the enemy reached the Mississippi, nine miles below New
Orleans. After some preliminary fighting, some of which was very bloody,
Jackson withdrew his troops to his intrenchments, four miles below the city.
Here they were confronted by the British general Packenham and 24,000
brave aad experienced soldiers. On the 8th of January, 1815, in the morning,
Packenham ordered and led the assault against the American defences.
Behind their breastworks, stimulated to heroic deeds by the presence of their
great chief, 6,000 Americans, mostly militiamen, but the best marksmen of
the world, silently awaited the onset. When the glittering columns came
within cannon range, the batteries were served w’ith terrible precision, the
balls made gaps through the r.anks, but they were promptly closed, and still
the line of belted breasts moved on, till they came within rifle and musket
range. Then the American line presented one vivid stream of fire, covering
the plain with dead and wounded, and throwing the enemy into confusion.
General Packenham, in attempting to rally his troops was killed. General
Gibbs, the second in command, was mortally wounded, and General Keene
severely. The enemy now fled in dismay, General Lambert, on whom the
command devolved, being unable to stay the headlong flight of his troops,
retired to his encampment, leaving 700 dead upon the field, and more than
a thousand wounded. General Jackson’s loss was only seven killed and six
wounded*-
This was the last important victory of the war, as it was one of the most
brilliant, and General Jackson, henceforth entitled to the appellation of the
“ Hero of New Orleans,” and his brave followers, whose marksmanship was
so unerring, received the plaudits of a nation, and the admiration of a world.
When the tenth County of Illinois was organized in 1816, the name given
it was that of the illustrious General whose reputation advanced with his
life, and whose fame will shine brighter as “ succeeding generations unfold
their vast processions.”
Some of the officers of the county were appointed before the location of the
county seat. Jesse Griggs, Nathan Davis and James Hall were the mem¬
bers of the first County Commissioner’s Court. The deed to the site of
Brownsville, was executed from Jesse Griggs, the owuer of the land, to the
above County Commissioners. The act for the location of the county capital
specified its name. The first clerk was William Wilson of Randolph
County, who was appointed and came from Kaskaskia, in order to open in a
proper manner the books of the new county. He only officiated a short
time, when he made way for Mr. Edward Humphries as Clerk and Re¬
corder. Mr. Wilson was Circuit Judge for a short time, and on the 7th of
August 1819 was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Bench of the
State, created by the resignation of the gentlemanly swindler, William P.
Foster, who had never gone near his circuit, but drew his salary with the
regularity, of a modern member of congress. Not much is known by the
busy world of to-day of the men who, honestly and intellectually, assisted at
the launching of the great ship of state, Illinois. Many of them sleep in
obscure graves, their names and deeds unknown to those who owe them so
great a debt of gratitude. They possessed sturdy virtues, and high mental
endowments.
William Wilson, at the time he came to assist at the political birth of
Jackson county, was scarcely twenty-two years old. His character was
spotless and his education, though good, was not collegiate, and his legal at¬
tainments were fair. “ He was social in disposition, candid and artless by
nature, with a manner pleasant and winning.” After his elevation to his
high office, as one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme bench, he proved
a sound judge, and presided with a dignity which inspired the utmost respect
in the bar and attendants.”
Mr. Humphries, brother of the receiver of public moneys at Kaskaskia,
was succeeded in office by Timothy Nash, who filled, until his death nearly
all of the offices of the county. He was Recorder, Judge of Probate, Clerk
of the county, and Circuit Clerk. He died in 1820, and Joel Manning was
appointed his successor. Before the formation of the county came the
Halls, James Hall, Sr., and James Jr., his son, E. Canuady, John Glenn,
and their families. James Harreld was a citizen of our county as early as
1816 — see deed — from County Commissioner’s court to him.
-The next year, 1817, brought quite an accession to the county. Among
the immigrants were Samuel CochTan, who bought out Benjamin Walker at
the Backbone, Peter Hammons and Richard Lee, a Methodist local preacher,
who lived in Big Hill township, the brothers Giles and Benjamin Henson,
and St. Clair Manson. The last three settled at Big Hill. There came
also the Duncans, Joseph, Dr. John S., Polly Ann, and their mother, old
Mrs. Moore and her son Ben. These brought a few slaves with them, and
also located at Big Hill. Aaron Davis and family, about this time, arrived
from Kentucky, and bought a place of Capt. Boon. He was a skillful
hunter, and a good farmer. He resided on this farm, now called the Thomas
Jenkins’ place, until his death in 1826.
Joseph Duncan erected the best house in the county, near the river, just
under the Bluffs, which was called the “ Whitehouse” as long as it stood.
He owned a mill and did a good business. Here the Duncans lived several
years. Dr. Duncan is buried there. This year also came Corydon White,
and some of the Bildeubacks and William Roberts. A large additional
emigration from North Carolina of Germans, settled south of the Big Muddy,
at what was called Dutchridge. The Ethertons’ and some other families
settled south of the Big Muddy.
A work published a few years since, called the State Atlas, states that
Governor Duncan, settled in this country in 1815. This is a mistake,
Gov. Duncan came to this county in either 1818 or 1819. Matthew Dun¬
can settled, however at Fountain Bluff as early as 1815, and hence the error
of the compilers of that work. Seeing the name of Duncan, occurring as
early as 1815, they hastily concluded it was the governor. Some other
names are yet to be mentioned. That of a blacksmith named R. W. Allen,
who worked in the employ of Capt. Boon, another smith who owned his
tools, and had a shop at Big Hill ; Hothbun, had a shop at Brownsville for
a while, and was succeeded by Mr. Green, and ITezekiah Davis, who worked
on the Big Muddy. The new settlers who came in 1817, legal voters or
heads of families were more than a hundred. These were, many of them,
men of property and money, and the hard times fled before the revival of
business which followed their arrival. Mills of better quality than those
before known were built in all of the settlements. William Roberts erected
one on the Mississippi ; old Mr. House, who had lost an arm in the revolu¬
tion while fighting for liberty, erected one on the Ridge. The Schwartz’s
erected a substantial one on the Big Muddy, for the accommodation of that
large settlement, while Mr. Lipe owned another. The names of the follow-
lowing persons also appear, though just when they came into the county is
not known. John G. Clarke, David Burkey, Ivuntz, Tenuon, Fuller, Find¬
ley and Lucas. In 1817, came A. M. Jenkins and his sister, Diza.to Browns¬
ville the county seat. Mr. Jenkins found a home at Mr. Conrad Wills for a
time. His sister lived with Mrs. Griggs, helping her in the boarding house,
for some years, until she became the wife of Joel Manning.
Gov. A. M. Jenkins was a distinguished citizen of our county. He was a
young man when in 1817 he arrived at the countv-seat, Brownsville, with
his sister Diza. He learned the trade of carpenter, with Michael Harmon.
He was elected constable, and made a faithful officer. He rose to distinction
in the State, and at the bar ; for he became a lawyer. He served the people,
who delighted to do him honor, energetically and ably. He was at one time
Lieut. Governor of Illinois. He was a man of enterprise and activity, and in
his life turned his attention to many things. He bought out the Jackson
Democrat , the first paper of our county, and edited the same for a short time,
and then established another. He was respected highly by his acquaintances,
and honored in all the relations of life. He commanded a company in the
Black Hawk war, and made an efficient and skillful officer.
MILITIA.
For many years after the close of the war of 1812 were held company
battalion, and regimental musters, which brought together great crowds of
people.
“ And sleights of art and feats of strength went round.”
The militia law required every able-bodied man to perform military duty ;
that is, to drill once every month during the year. The battalion drill
occurred once in six months only. The drill ground for this county was at
Brownsville. Battalion drill day was looked upon as a great day. It gave
the old settlers an excuse to meet on the muster, and clasp friendly hands, as
well as to recount the mighty exploits in hunting each had performed since
they last met.
It was understood, always, that some of the parties on the way to the ren¬
dezvous should pass through the woods where deer could be found, and kill
a buck or two and bring to the place of training. Then two of the most
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
23
noted hunters would be detailed to barbecue the venison, while the others went
through the various evolutions and manual exercises. The number belonging
to the battalion ranged from seventy to one hundred men. They had their
regular officers, who were appointed to their ranks. These officers were
Colonel, Lieut. Colonel, Major, Captain, and first and second Lieutenants.
After the exercises in the art of war were over; after the officers, “ dressed
in a little brief authority,” had bawled themselves hoarse ; after the march¬
ing and counter-marching to the music of the shrill fife and boisterous drums,
came the jubilee and the good cheer. The detail would place the nicely-
roasted bucks on a scatfold constructed for the purpose, and, upon word being
given, each man would draw bis knife and hasten to the onset. There were
usually present on these occasions an old lady or two, who, enthroned on an
ox-cart, sold ginger cakes from a sack made of deerskin, and a drink called
metheglin, compounded of water and honey. The men, while feasting, would
gather in groups in the friendly shade, and tell hunting stories, imparting or
gaining information as to where the most deer sign were to be found, or
making engagements for puppies from the best bitches. Great attention was
paid to the procurement of the best breeds of dogs from the older states.
Latterly whiskey was freely retailed at musters, and in consequence the
good feeling was broken, and training day was often concluded with a num¬
ber of rough-and-tumble fights. Intemperance and profanity were greatly
increased through their agency, while after all apprehensions of danger from
Indians had disappeared, they were productive of no compensating good.
President Jackson, appreciating the fact that the musters were prejudicial
and destructive of morality, finally recommended their discontinuance, which
recommendation was adopted by Congress, who enacted the legislation neces¬
sary to carry it into effect.
The people generally were glad of their discontinuance, but some of the
officers who were vain-glorious, and delighted in the bustle attended therein,
were far from being satisfied. Thus passed away the “ pomp and circum¬
stance ” of mimic war, which engaged the attention of a portion of citizens
for a number of years.
To the names already given of old settlers, must be added those of Mr.
Cox, who lived in, and gave his name to, Cox’s Prairie, and Mr. Sorrels and
family.
There were at this time, only two physicians within the limits of the pre¬
sent county, namely, Drs. Vail and Witt. It is not thought that these were
busy, as the climate of Jackson was distressingly healthy in early days.
Chills and fever were almost unknown, and did not appear until after farms
began to be rapidly opened up, when decaying vegetation induced them
hither.
NAVIGATION OF THE BIG MUDDY RIVER.
For the following account of the navigation of this tortuous stream, we
are maiuly indebted to Edward Newsome, of Carbondale, who has held the
office of County Surveyor, and resided in the county for many years. The
first boat, so far as is known, to float upon the bosom of this sluggish little
river, was the one built by Mr. Boon, in 1811, and manned by himself and
Jeptha Brooks and his black man, Peter, to which allusion has been made.
In 1814, Mr. Byars steered a boat of stock out of Muddy, for Thomas
Cox ; many erroneously suppose this to have been the first boat on the river.
In early times, what little commerce there was with New Orleans, was carried
on by means of flat boats or keel boats. A good many boats were built on
Muddy, and taken out laden with produce, into the Mississippi. Steam¬
boats have furrowed the waters of this narrow river, Big Muddy, many and
many a time. There are many difficulties in the way of navigation of this
stream, the most serious and vexing of which, are the shoals, several of which
exist. The shoal at Mount Carbon, just below the bridge, extends some dis¬
tance, including what used to be known as the Upper (?) Lower Fords. The
most remarkable is the Fish Trap shoal, so called because it was such a good
place to set a fish trap. This is the largest and most serious obstruction of
all, the river being nearly three times its usual width, at this place. There
is another at Worthen’s place, and just below, a rock rises like a table in the
middle of the river, which is covered during the time of high water. At
the mouth of Rattlesnake creek, just above the Bald Rock, is another shoal.
All those mentioned, are rocky and permanent obstructions, and will be diffi¬
cult of removal. At the mouth of the Muddy, a shoal of mud is often formed,
during a rise of the Mississippi, if the Muddy is low at the same time ; but
when the Muddy comes down in the pride of her strength, and spreads out
over her banks, and the great river has decreased its volume of waters, and
hushed partially, its mighty music, then like a braggart, when danger has
retired, she shows what she can do by cutting away the obstructing bar of
mud, and again recovers her deep channel. Another difficulty in the navi¬
gation of this stream, is its extreme sinuosity, for after you descend below
Sand Ridge, it is very crooked, with some remarkably acute angles, the most
notable of w'hich, is at the Swallow rock, where the river running north 15°
east, makes a sudden turn along the face of the rocky wall and flows due
south. A story, illustrative of this peculiarity of the river, is told of Bat-
tese, a French darkey.
Many years ago, in the early times, he was going down the river on a
barge by moonlight. When the came to this place, Battese, who had never
been there before, was looking at the high rocky wall that arose on the right
hand above the tree-tops, then he looked forward to the sudden turn, but
could see only trees, he, little thinking that the river ran between his position
and that wall, cried out in terror to Mr. Kitchen, who was on the boat with
him, “ Mr. Kitchen ! Mr. Kitchen ! the liver takes to the woods here ! ”
About the first account we have of a steamer navigating the Big Muddy
was at the time of the first settling of Murphysboro’, when a small steam¬
boat, named the t Omega steamed up to Mt. Carbon. Strange! that the
boat bearing the name of the last letter of the Greek alphabet should have
been the first to demonstrate the feasibility of steam navigation of the Muddy
It was not until the year 1851 that any other boat was venturesome enough
to hazard a trial. On account of the shoals, boats can only ascend in high-
water, and the sudden bends make it next to impossible for boats to make
the turns when the current is strong; so the time usually selected is when
the great river, to which it is tributary, rises, which is most generally in
June. In the above named year, the Jackson county coal company, having
a quantity of coal on the banks of the river, just below Mount Carbon, they
succeeded in chartering a small steam ferry-boat, called Wcdl-in-ilic-
Water that had just arrived in St. Louis, to bring down their coal. She
came to Mount Carbon, was loaded, as were also two barges, which she took
in tow. In a few days she arrived in St. Louis with her barges.
FIRST CARGO OF COAL.
That was the first introduction of this coal into the market, and it was
then pronounced, by the foundries and gas-works of that city, to be the best
coal west of Pittsburg. That verdict has not beeu reversed till this day.
The company were now confident of selling any quantity of coal, so they
purchased the Walk-in-tlie- Water because they considered her a very
suitable boat for their use in getting their coal to St. Louis. On the 30th of
May, 1851, at 10 o’clock a. m., she started, and arrived opposite Preston be¬
fore night, at a place selected for a landing, which was afterwards called
Sheffield Coal Yard. On the 1st day of June, the boat started on the first
of her regular trips, which continued until the 10th of July, usually going up
the little river one day, and returning the next. During these passages the
Mississippi was continually rising, and continued to rise until the middle of
the month, submerging all the bottoms. The water rose to the highest point
ever known, with the single exception of the *• Great Flood” which occurred
in the summer of 1844, and which exceeded even this by four feet, so that
the lively little steamer had the best time possible for navigation, so far as
plenty of water was concerned. The greatest difficulty in navigating the
Muddy by steam was found to be the dangers arising in making the turns at
the acute angles of the river, more especially at the sharp bends north of
Conner’s old steam mill and at Swallow Rock. Iu many cases, the boat
would swing around sideways, and come in contact with the overhanging
trees, which line the channel the whole distance; then either the trees had to
give way or damage would be inflicted upon the craft; often both trees and
boat would suffer injury; but at the turns above mentioned they found it
necessary to shut off steam, and push her around with poles. At one time, a
snag that leaned out from the bank and overhung the water, struck the boat
on the side of the cabin, rubbed along until it came to the first window, when
it pushed its ugly head in, and tore the whole side out from thence to the
stern. It went into the bunks and stole a blanket, which was left suspended
on the end of the snag. The owner of the bunk, from which the blanket was
taken, who must have been somewhat of a wag, said the snag should have
been welcome to the blanket had it not taken his tobacco also- On another
occasion, when a family was on board, with their teams and stock, moving
from the island to escape from the high water that threatened them, the
boat collided with a tree, and showered the large limbs on the deck ; one
came near killing Mr. Temples, and badly frightened his horses; another
struck the smoke-stack and punched a hole in it, disturbed the pilot in liis
reverie by threatening to upset the pilot-house ; so that by the time the boat
had finished her trip, she presented much the same appearance as that
24
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
afforded by a steamer on the Mississippi, after running the blockade at
Vicksburg during the late rebellion.
At another time, by some mistake in the signal-bells, they ran the boat
ashore. She ran several trees under water, and tore off <tae of her guards
completely ; no one expected she would float again ; she was permanently
crippled ; however, the hull was found to be entirely uninjured. After run¬
ning his boat awhile, Mr. Smith, the pilot, put on a whistle, and delighted to
wake the echoes and scare the inhabitants with its ear-splitting scream.
When he passed Swallow Rock with his whistle the first time after its addi¬
tion, several men and women were standing above on the rock, looking down
at the boat, when the pilot let on such a sudden scream that the women were
very much frightened, and immediately fled the scene. At every bend
would this jolly pilot whistle loud and long, and when he arrived at the
mines, nearly the whole population had assembled to learn what was coming,
for most of them had never heard the sound of a steam-whistle before. It
was a common saying that Henry Dillinger and George McKinney had dug
out the channel of Big Muddy, so one day, when the boat took to the trees
oftener thau was usual, Mr. Holden, who was on board, suddenly called out,
“ George McKinney ! George McKinney ! ! ” “ Here ! What do you want?”
answered George. “Why did you make this river so crooked, when you
dug it, instead of making it straight?” “ Well, Holden,” George replied,
“ we had to dig most of it in the dark, and so could not see to it^ake it
straighter ; so, I guess, you will have to put up with it as it is.”
On the 6th of June, as the boat was ascending the river, the pilot, Smith,
was at supper. Jut Jukes, his cub, was at the wheel, when suddenly a large
log appeared, reaching completely across the channel. Smith ran to the
pilot-house, but, by the time he reached it, the boat had struck the log, so
all steam was crowded on, and the boat was made to climb over it She was
a' very staunch craft or she would have been sunk; as it was, she was not
injured. One day they found a house in the river. It was a log house, with
a clap-board roof ; the house floated deep in the current, only the roof pro¬
jecting above the surface. There was a hole in the roof where the boards
had been pushed aside by some one apparently anxious to vacate his watery
domicile. The great haste with which he did so, being evinced by his hav¬
ing neglected to take his trousers along with him, and which were on the
roof.
The water was so high that, in going down the river, no land could be
seen below Sand Ridge on the west side, and none on either side below Bald
Rock, the whole of the lower levels being inundated. The great Father of
Waters was then from four to five miles in width. It is related that during
the rising of the great river, Big Muddy was forced to reverse its course, and
run up stream with a strong current for a month, so that at one time the
boat found the Island channel choked with drift, which they worked at all
day to try to get loose, but without success; they finally went round by the
other channel next day, leaving a gang of men to work it loose. By the
time the boat returned, the vexatious obstructiou had been removed. One
day the Walk-in-the- Water had company, for the stem ferry-boat Jonesboro, at
Willard’s Landing, followed her up the river to the mines, and taking on a
load of coal, returned. Some enterprising chap of Chester put a small
engine on a flat-boat, built a small cabin, and fixing a wheel at the stern,
made several trips in safety. At a sharp bend the Walk-in— the- Water came
near colliding with his boat. Mr. J. M. Morgan was on the small boat,
with a lot of goods purchased for his store in Murphysboro. He looked out,
surprised and somewhat frightened, for, if the boats had struck, the smaller
would in all probability have gone to the bottom.
After the Walk- in- the- Water had finished for the season her work of taking
out coal, she was sent to Thebes and loaded with steamboat lumber. Mr.
Gross took command, and she started for St. Louis- She landed at the
mouth of Muddy, and took in tow a barge loaded with staves and hoop-
poles. On the 26th of July she went upon a sand-bar and there stuck. The
water falling made the prospect of getting her off rather doubtful. The next
day, she got off’, however, and again steamed up the river. On the 28th she
encountered a severe storm, and the barge sunk ; they were compelled to
cut it loose, and it was a total loss. The boat reached St- Louis safely
that night.
The following summer this boat was repaired, a new cabin, higher than
the old one by one story, was built on her, and she was again started on
regular trips up the Muddy. The pilot was now familiar with the stream,
and more skilled in the management of his boat, so that the boat made her
passages with much less difficulty, and finished her trips in good condition.
In 1853, the Walk-in-the ■ Water again appeared on the scene, but having
showed the way to navigate Big Muddy by steam, she had company all the
season. That Chester man, having built a larger boat than before, put his
engine and wheel on her and named her the Silver Lake, made several voy¬
age's up to Mt. Carbon.
This year, the Illinois Central Rail Road was in process of construction,
and several small steamers were employed to take railroad iron up the river
to the railroad bridge, four miles north of Carbondale. These boats, to¬
gether with the Silver Lake and the Walk-in-the- Water made Big Muddy
quite .a lively stream for two months ; for a person could scarcely go near
the river without seeing a steamboat go past, or hearing the whistle sounding
through the woods. They not only carried iron to the railroad, but one day
a boat took up a locomotive, which was landed on the north side of the
river and hauled up on the track, so they laid the track from the river north¬
ward. The boats also landed iron at the mouth of Sugar Creek, which was
hauled on wagons to the railroad at a point two miles south of Carbondale.
After the year 1S53, the Walk-in-the- Water had the river to herself as
before. She continued her annual trips for several years, until there came a
time when, for two summers, the Mississippi did not rise high enough to
float her over the shoals ; the coal accumulated on the banks of the river,
and much loss to the company was the consequence. When the river did
rise, the coal was all taken out, but the company soon afterwards abandoned
the mines, and thus Big Muddy River was left to its original solitude again,
and now that there are several bridges across the stream, (viz. : three rail¬
road bridges and three wagon bridges,) the navigation thereof is precluded
for the future.
In 1817 came from Pennsylvania, Peter Kimmel, and a short time after,
his son Singleton H. Kimmel, who had first located at Shannertown, joined
him here. These were the first of the name in our county. Their descen¬
dant are numerous and all are among our most excellent citizens.
In 1817 also came Lewis E. Harreld, and George Butcher to settle in Ora
Township.
This same year, also came Jacob Schwartz, a native of Somerset County,
Pennsylvania. His seven children are all living. Mr. Schwartz lost his
sight in 1855. His home is in Makauda Township.
James Davis and Joseph French, as has once been stated, settled in 1808,
where now Murphysboro is. In about 1817 Mr. Davis, his son, William
and their families moved up to Elk Prairie.
We are indebted to Mr. Iliram Schwartz of Elk Township, for the follow¬
ing reminiscences of William Davis, the son of James Davis, who was one
of the first settlers in the northeast part of the county.
Mr. Davis lived to a good old age, reared a large family and amassed a
considerable fortune by the raising of corn and hogs. In those days when
the soil was fresh, corn could be produced in abundance, and such a thing as
hog cholera was unknown.
In addition to these pursuits, “Uncle Billy” as he was familiarly called
was, like Nimrod of old, “ a mighty hunter before the Lord,” killing -in one
season as many as 120 deer. The advantages of an education were denied
him in his youth, and hence probably his opposition to the free school sys-’
tem, which taxed the hard earnings of those who had been denied educa¬
tional advantages in their youth.
So when the tax collector came around, and added about 8100 to Uncle
Billy’s tax for the use of free schools, he thought it injustice.
In the early days thieves were scarcely known, and no extra care was ne¬
cessary to protect money, but as the country advanced stealing became more
common, and money sought new and peculiar hiding places. Uncle Billy,
accordingly conceived the brilliant idea of secreting a box of gold in a corn-
crib covered over with fodder. Here he laid up his treasure where “moth
and rust might corrupt ” but “ where he fondly thought thieves would not
break through and steal,” little suspecting that the pesky rat, that follows
the course of empire towards the setting sun, would encroach upon the
casket of gold. But so it did. And corn and coin were thoroughly inter¬
mixed, and in this condition were thrown to the hogs. Numerous were the
broad gold pieces that were found by the roadside where the swine were fed,
and for some time it was a mystery how they came there. Finally the mys¬
tery was solved by the discovery that rats had invaded the box. This cir¬
cumstance gave rise to much good-humored comment, and in business trans¬
actions, when coin was offered that was defaced or worn, it was a common
observation that it was some that Uncle Billy Davis had fed to his hogs.
The Bysleys, James Hughes, Mark Bradley, and John Barrow, and W.
Eaken settled in Levan between 1816 and 1820. Benjamin Ripley, Hugh
McMullin, Stephen Eakens, John Bowers — whose daughter is now a resident
V-'v*..
0i
•a &£,* • *r «f&
MAKANDA one of the Largest
1 N.J. POWERS Residence
2 BAPTIST CHURCH
3 T.W. THOMPSON’S Residence
4- B. F. PARKERS Wason Shop
5 BAILEY & HANDFORDS Store and Warehouse
6 6. W. PATTERSON General Merchant
7 N.J. POWERS Drug Store
8 RENDLEMAN & THOMPSON General Merchants
9 M. M. THOMPSON’S HOTEL
MAKANDA
Fruit Shipping Points in Illinois on the I.C.R.F?. Jackson Co.
10 J. C. RENDLEMAN’S Residence
RAIL ROAD, IRON BRIDGE.
11
12 SOUTH BRICK TANK
13 DEPOT
14- NORTH BRICK TANK
15 PURDEY &. HEGLER COOPERS
16 J. HOERNER BLACK SMITH &. WAGON SHOP
17 J.T SMITH'S Residence
18 WM. GOODWINS Rfsipphcf
25
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS .
of the county — Matthew Reynolds and David Sorrels, were early settlers of
the county.
In 1820, Reuben Redfield, who took to wife one of Mr. Longadder’s
daughters, cast in his lot with the rapidly growing settlements. Some of the
Haglers, and Lipes, David Arnold and Robert Casey were here probably a
year previously. Daniel, Michael, and Henry Dillinger came in 1820, also,
and settled in Ora township. So, also, did Nelson McDowel, William Car¬
penter, Abraham Crow and Robert Carden, on the Big Rattlesnake, Gracy
Williamson and several others whose names have escaped memory. Mr.
Williamson’s descendants still live in that township and are highly honored
and respected.
In an early day came John Luney, William B. Pike, Jr., James Isom,
and William Duncan. Also, Enoch Lively, who was a noted hunter and
unerring marksman.
Jacob Ankney and Samuel Cheatham, Lewis Campbell and Joseph Wil¬
liams, deserve mention, as among the first to settle in the northeast part of
the county, probably as early as 1820.
Old Peter Woolrich is said to have settled in Kinkaid township in 1820-
21. He had a large family. He lost his life a short time afterwards by the
falling of a tree. His family consisted of five children.
In 1822, Capt. W. E. Talbott, a well-known citizen of this county, became
a resident. Before this, Joel Manning, who for many years was continued by
the people in office, had arrived. He was a brother-in-law of Gov. A. M.
Jenkins.
Robert Henderson and Ortem were here as early as 1821.
In 1824, James Noling was a citizen and teacher in the county. In 1825
James McMurray began his career as a pedagogue. He was of Irish extrac¬
tion, and was a man of considerable importance in the county. He would
teach through the autumn and winter, and take produce for his services. In
the spring he would build a flat-boat and take his produce to New Orleans,
and barter for such groceries as the settlers were in need of, which he would
bring back and sell at a good profit- He was so unfortunate on one of his
trips, as to get, in turning a boat on the Mississippi, his thigh broken. Ever
after one leg was three inches shorter than the other. He was familiarly
known all over the county as “ Old Hopping John.” He was a teacher from
1825 to 1828. He died somewhere on the great river in 1829-1830.
In 1823 there emigrated from his native land an Irishman, Dr. John Lo¬
gan, and settled where Murphysboro’ now is. Dr. Logan married a sister of
Gov. A. M. Jenkins. He was blessed with a large family of children. His
son, John A. Logan, who has so greatly distinguished himself in peace and
war, has made the name Logan ring throughout the length and breadth of
our land. A complete biography of this celebrated man, who has often been
tried and never found wanting, will, be found in the biographical department
of this volume, and hence there is no need of further mention here. Suffice
it to 6ay that the citizens of this county may well be proud of his great son,
whose abilities and services have reflected such luster upon his native county.
Dr. Logan was a man of public spirit and enterprise, and all of his de¬
scendants possess strong lines of character. The biographical department
will be found to contain sketches of the career of other members of this
family.
Josiah Patterson demands, as the first preacher in the county after its
organization, a more extended notice. He was a man of great energy and
zeal. His circuit extended from Washington county to Cairo, and it required
a month’s time for him to get around it. He traveled on foot or horseback,
owing to circumstances. There were no bridges over the streams, and he
often would have to swim his horse across, for he let no ordinary obstacle
prevent the meeting of his appointments Often he has been known to stand
out in the open air and preach, with clothes dripping wet. He never com¬
plained of hardships, but bore all with a fortitude becoming a good soldier
of Christ. He preached in the houses of the settlers, as there were no
churches. In, 1824 or ’25, came John Traskington, a Methodist minister, to
aid Mr. Patterson. It was determined to hold a-camp meeting. A commit¬
tee was appointed consisting of David Holliday, Dr. John Logan and Col.
George Creath, to superintend work on camp ground. The site selected lies
immediately north of Murphysboro, just where the brick-yard now is Two
meetings were held on the grounds in the years of 1825 and i26 respectively.
Rev. Peter Cartwright, celebrated for his natural powers and great eccen¬
tricity of manner and speech, preached the opening sermon on Sunday fore¬
noon. Rising upon the rude platform, he began his address as follows :
“ Brothers and sisters, I have one charge to give you this morning, that is
look well to your baskets of provisions in camp, for I see a great many
breachy dogs on this ground, and we shall want some dinner after a while.”
After the burst of merriment occasioned by this queer opening had subsided,
he announced- his text from Hebrews 3d chapter and 8th verse, “ Harden
not yOur hearts, as in the provocation in the day of temptation in the wilder¬
ness.” His discourse was able and impressive, causing many tears to roll
down the cheeks of weather-beaten pioneers. There were many added to the
church at these camp-meetings.
Capt. W. E. Talbott, a man well and favorably known, has been a citizen
since 1822. Willis Crane, also well known, came in 1827, as also did the
widow Asbury. Stephen Holliday, of Murphysboro’, and George W. his
brother, of Ora, have lived here all their lives. So, also, have the brothers,
Whitson, of Big Hill. Peter Keefer, of De Soto, a native of Germany,
remarkable for his fund of humor and store of ancdotes, came to the country
in 1833, first locating at old Brownsville, which even then had passed its
splendor, and was entering upon its decline. Col. D. H. Brush, was Circuit
Clerk and Recorder, at the time of the fire which destroyed the court-house,
and had been a citizen for some time previously. The Robinsons take rank
amongst our oldest and best families. Judge Wm. N. Robinson, has spent
his useful life in this county. The Tuthills, the Rosses, the M’Clures, the
Schwartzes, the Kimmels, the Ethertons, the Gills, are among the sub¬
stantial old families, also the Worthens and Jenkins. Mrs. Henson, a
daughter of William Boon, yet lives in the enjoyment of excellent health,
in Big Hill. Mr. Bemingsen Boon is the oldest male citizen of the county.
The Bradleys are all of the same stock, and are useful and worthy. J. H.
Bradley was born in this county 56 years ago. Dr. JohnsoD, an unusually
able physician, has been but a short time dead. His sonsare known through¬
out the country as capable and upright. Dr. James Robarts, a man of un¬
doubted skill in his profession, is also an old citizen of the county, as is
Judge Swartzcope, the Coxs and Wilsons. But we forbear.
The chapter on the old settlers has been extended as far as space will per¬
mit. The township sketches will be found to supplement this chapter quite
fully, and in the biographical department will be found in extenso, the lives
of very many of the leading citizens of the county.
The information given in this chapter, has been gathered at much pains
from many sources. That it does not contain all that would be of interest,
we well know ; that much has been rescued from decay we believe, and also
think it will be found worthy of perusal.
May the lessons taught here, of the cost of the blessings bequeathed to us
from former generations, not go unheeded, and may their influences make us
worthy of the grand inheritance of liberty, of law, of religion and education,
which we now enjoy, is the prayer of the author.
CHAPTER IV.
CUSTOMS OF EARLY DAYS.
HABITS, MODES OF LIVING OF THE PIONEERS AND EARLY SETTLERS. RILEY’S MILL —
OLDEST DEEDS — FIRST MARRIAGE RECORDS.
T is a trite, but true proverb, that “ Times change and we change
with them,” which is well illustrated by the changes in dress,
condition and life, that have taken place in our county in less
than three-quarters of a century. We cannot doubt that these
changes, as a whole, are for the better. To the old man, indeed, whose life-
work is accomplished, and whose thoughts dwell mainly on the past, where
his treasures are, there are no days like the old days ; no song awakens so
responsive an echo in his heart as that of “ Auld Lang Syne.” The very
skies that arch above his gray head, seem less blue to his dimmed eye than
they did when in the adoration of his young heart he directed to them his
gaze ; the woods appear less green and inviting than when, in the gaiety of
boyhood, he courted their cool depths ; the songs of their feathered inhabi¬
tants, that flit like shuttles between the boughs, strike less melodiously upon
his ear. He marks the many changes that are everywhere visible, regrets
them, and feels like crying out, in the language of the poet,
“ Backward ! turn backward ! oh time in thy flight !”
It. is natural for the aged to sigh for a return of the past, nor would we
attempt the hopeless task of convincing them that with the changes of the
years there have come also an increase in happiness, an improvement in social
26
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
life, a progress in education, an advancement in morality, and a tendency
upward in all that relates to the welfare of mankind.
We may learn useful lessons, however, from a study of that land over
which the pardonable, and fond imagination of the old settler has cast the
“ light that never was on sea or land,” if we for a time withdraw our atten¬
tion from the dizzy activities of the days in which we live, to let the old
resident take us by the hand and lead us back into the region of his youth,
and observe the life of those who founded a grand empire in a great
wilderness : if we for a time leave, as it were, the prow of the rushing ship,
from which can be discerned a mighty future looming up before us, rich in
promise and bright with hope, to take our place upon the stern and gaze
backward into the “beautiful land of the past.” And, too, we shall find
cause for great thankfulness that the great Rule? of the universe has ap¬
pointed us the place He has in the “ eternal chain of events.” No doubt we
shall be led to regret the absence among us of some of the virtues of dwellers
in those early days. Gone is that free-hearted hospitality which made of
every settler's cabin an inn, where the belated and weary traveller found
entertainment “ without money and without price.” Gone, too, is the era of
good feeling which made neighbors indeed neighbors, and which was marked
by almost the entire absence of litigation.
A lesson may further be learned from a contemplation of the simple,
strong, upright honesty and integrity of the first inhabitants of the county
and state.
So rapid has been the progress in machinery, in the arts and their appli¬
cation to the needs of man, that a study of the manner in which people lived
and worked only a half century back, seems like the study of a very re¬
mote age.
The whole county, now dotted with farm-houses and smiling villages, tra¬
versed by railroads and telegraphs, was at the time of the first settlement an
unbroken wilderness, consisting for the most part of dense forests. The few
insignificant prairies were barely sufficient to vary the monotony. Elk
Prairie, so called because of the great numbers of Elk that resorted to its
suit licks, was covered with grass, tall as a horse’s back. This was the largest.
Others were called Cox’s Prairie, Manning’s Prairie, Tuthill’s Prairie, and
Holliday’s Prairie. The soil was rich, covered with many varieties of timber,
and much of this was of large size. Several kinds of oak, the black and
white walnut, the sugar maple, the beech, elm, &c. The inhabitants, invari¬
ably, at first made their homes on the water courses. Some came in carts,
the children packed like sardines in a box, some in wagons, and many on
horseback, with pack horses. It will be remembered that it was shortly after
the revolution, and the whole country was poor, and in a sadly-miserable and
crippled condition.
The settler brought with him the keen axe, which was indispensable, and
the equally necessary rifle ; the first, his weapon of offence against the pri¬
meval forests, the second, that of defence from attacks of his foe, the cunning
child of the forest. His first labor was to fell trees to get a site on which to
erect his unpretentious cabin, and a patch in which to plant cotton. His
house was rudely constructed of logs, and in raising it he had the cheerful
aid of his neighbors. It was usually from fourteen to sixteen feet square, and
never larger than twenty feet, and was built entirely without glass, nails,
hinges or locks.
The manner of building was as follows : First, large logs were laid in po¬
sition, as sills ; on these were placed strong sleepers, and on the sleepers
were laid the rude hewed puncheons, which were to serve as floors. The
logs were then built up till the proper height for the eaves was reached,
then on the ends of the building were placed poles, longer than the other
end logs, which projected some eighteen or more inches over the sides, and
were called “Butting pole sleepers;” on the projecting ends of these was
placed the “ Butting pole,” which served to give the line to the first row of
clapboards. These were as a matter of course split, and as the gates of the
cabin were built up, were laid on so as to lap about one-third of their length.
They were often kept in place by the weight of a heavy pole, which was laid
across the roof parallel to the ridgepole. The house was then chinked, and
daubed with a coarse mortar. The house when completed was Indian proof,
being provided with a heavy door which could be strongly barred at night and
in times of danger. Port-holes were constructed through which defence could
be maintained, and through which observation might be made in the morn-
by some member of the family, before the unbarring of the door. A
huge fire place was built in at one end of the house, in which fire was
kindled for cooking purposes — for the settlers generally had no stoves — and
to furnish the needed warmth in winter. The utmost sociability and friend¬
liness towards one another, growing out of their mutual dependence., pre¬
vailed amongst the settlers. They would go miles to a house raising, log¬
rolling or corn husking. The furniture of the house comported admirably
with the house itself. The tables had four legs and were rudely made from
a puncheon. Their seats were stools having three or four legs. The bed¬
stead was in keeping with the rest of the furniture, and-was often so built
as to permit it to be drawn up against the wall during the day, thus afford¬
ing more room to the family. The entire furniture was simple, and framed
with no tools but an auger and ax. Each settler had to be his own car¬
penter, and many displayed considerable ingenuity in the construction of
implements for the farming utensils and furniture for the house. Knives
and forks they sometimes had, and sometimes not. The common table knife
was the jack-knife or butcher knife. The dishes were few and usually
of peuter.
Horse collars were made of the plaited husk of the maize sewed together.
They were easy on the horse’s neck, scarcely ever chafing it, and, if the
traces were tugs, would last for several years. Some used trace chains but
most tugs made from raw hide. It was no unusual sight to see two horses
attached to a breaking plow by tug traces, the single and double trees coupled
with tugs, and fastened to the plow with tugs.
To illustrate the ready ingenuity of the early settlers, developed by their
poverty, and remoteness from places where necessaries could be purchased,
we borrow an anecdote, from “ Ford’s History of Illinois,” related of James
Lemon, a well-known pioneer of Monroe County, and an old style Baptist
preacher. A farmer by occupation, “ He manufactured harness as they were
required. Being one day employed in plowing a piece of stubble ground, on
turning out for dinner, as was his wont, he left the harness on the beam of
the plow. His son, not differing from the proverbial minister’s boy, perhaps,
who had assisted him by removing the clogging straw from the plow with a
pitchfork, remained behind long enough to conceal one of the collars, that
he might have a playing spell while his father was occupied in making
another. But his plot failed ; on returning after dinner and missing the
collar, his father reflecting a few minutes, promptly divested himself of his
leather breeches, stuffed the legs with stubble, straddled them across the
neck of the horse for a collar, and plowed the remainder of the day bare¬
legged, requiring the assistance of his truantly inclined boy all of the
time.” At this day, to i>rovide for such a mishap, half a day would have
been spent in going to town after another collar, and the boy would proba¬
bly have gained his point.
The carts and wagons in use during territorial times were made often by
the self-reliant settler, and it is said that their woful creakings, — for they
had no tar, — could be heard for a great distance.
The women corresponded well with a description of the virtuous woman
in the last chapter of Proverbs, for they “ sought wool and flax and worked
willingly with their hands.” They did not, it is true, make for themselves
“ coverings of tapestry,” nor could it be said of them that their “ clothtog
was silk and purple,” but they rose “while it was yet night and gave meat to
their household,” and they “girded their loins with strength and strengthen¬
ed their arms.” They “ looked well to the ways of their household and ate
not the bread of idleness.” They laid “ their hands to the spindle and to the
distaff,” and “strength and honor were in their clothing.” They raised their
own cotton, which was picked and usually put up in the loft to dry. When
they went visiting, instead of occupying their time as ladies now do with ele¬
gant embroidery or fancy needlework of some kind, they took a sack or poke
of cotton along to jlick. Often the good wife would want to have some help
with her cotton, or in other words to have a cotton -picking, as it was called-
She was not inferior in skill and finesse in managing her liege lord to the
good wife of more modern times. Strategy was sometimes necessary in order
to gain his consent. So she would say, “ Husband you should call on the
neighbors and have a barn-raising. It is too bad the poor horse has to stand
out in the storms. You must get him a shelter.” The heart of the sturdy
settler would glow with pride as he reflected what a thoughtful wife he pos¬
sessed, and how considerate she was. So he would decide to have a, barn¬
raising. Before he rode off to tell his neighbors and invite them to help him,
his wife would carelessly say, “ Husband, would you not as well invite the
women also? I have some eotton I want picked, and now will be a good time
to have it done.” The man, all unsuspicious of the pardonable trick played
upon him, and that what seemed to be an afterthought of his wife, was the
principal in her mind, would cheerfully consent. The few neighbors that
lived within a radius of eight or ten miles would be invited, to come on a
specified day to a barn-raising, while an invitation would be extended to the
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
27
women to a cotton-picking. The good woman would be busily engaged for
a day or more in preparations for the coming guests. Great quantities of
provisions were to be prepared, for dyspepsia was unknown in that day and
good appetites were the rule and not the exception.
It was customary to provide liquor for the men on such times, but no ex¬
cesses were indulged in. After the war of 1812 this could not be truthfully
said. While inviting the company there was one important personage that
was never forgotten, namely, the fiddler, usually a French darkey. After
the day’s work had been accomplished, out doors and in, by men and
women, the floor was cleaned, and the merry dance began. The handsome,
stalwart young men, whose fine forms were the result of their manly out-door
life, clad in fringed buckskin breeches, and gaudily colored hunting-shirts,
led forth the bright-eyed, buxom damsels, attired in neatly fitting linsey-wool¬
sey garments, to the dance, their cheeks glowing with health, and eyes speak¬
ing of enjoyment and perhaps of a still tenderer emotion.
After the cotton was picked, it was washed clean, balled and sunned, when
it was ready to be carded into rolls. Then it was spun, on little or big
wheels, into two kinds of thread, one of which was called the “ chain,” the
other the “ filling.” The more experienced only spun the chain, the -young¬
er, the filling. This was woven into cloth on what was known as “ side
looms,” which were very simple, indeed, in construction. The frame work
of it consisted of two pieces of scantling, running obliquely from the floor to
the wall.
Later, Frame looms, which were a great improvement over the kind first
noticed, came into general use. The fabric when woven was designated as
“ Home-made,” and was yet to be dyed. The different colors were blue, cop¬
peras, turkey-red, light blue, &e. The fabric is usually plaid or striped, and
the differing colors were blended according to the fancy of the fair maker.
The women were very proud of their skill in manufacturing cloth, and vied
with each other in the efforts to excel. Kaskaskia was at the time now under
consideration, the great emporium of trade, and this was separated from the
settlements by many a weary mile of hill and forest, so that even for their
coloring matter they were forced to rely upon their own exertions. Indigo
for the blue was cultivated in the garden, and copperas was obtained from the
out-cropping coal mines.
It was some years after the first settlements were made before sheep could
be profitably reared. The whole country was filled with wolves, which had
not yet vanished before tbe rifle and woodman’s ax. After the wolves had
been nearly all destroyed, it was found that sheep were unprofitable and
hard to rear ; and owing to the richness of their pasture they became too fat.
It was probably as late as 1824 or ’25 before the settlers became acquainted
with jeans.
As a substitute for wool, on one occasion at least, the wool or fur of the
opossum was used. Sallie Roberts knit socks made of this, and the socks
were pronounced good by those who wore them. Every house contained
cards, wheels, and a loom, which were considered by the women as necessary
for them -as was the rifle for men.
Many times, when the men gathered to a log-rolling or barn-raising, the
women would also assemble, bringing their spinning-wheels with them. In
this way sometimes as many as fifteen or twenty would be found in one
room, and the pleasant voices of the fair spinners were mingled with the low
hum of the spinning-wheels. “ Oh! golden early days !”
Such articles of apparel as could not be manufactured, and were abso¬
lutely essential, were brought from the nearest store, which was at Kaskas¬
kia. These were few, however. The men and boys wore pantaloons made
of the dressed skin of the deer, which were then found in great numbers.
The young man, who desired to look captivating in the eye of the maiden
whom he loved, had his “ bucks” fringed, which lent them a not unpleasing
effect. Meal sacks were also made of buckskin. Their caps were made of
the skins of the wolf, fox, wild-cat, and musk-rat, tanned with the fur on.
The tail of the fox or wolf often hung down from the top of the cap, lending
the wearer a picturesque and jaunty appearance. Their feet were clad in
moccasins, until they learned to tan leather. The process of tanning was
soon learned, on account of its simplicity. A large log was hollowed out,
and formed the vat, in which, with the bark of the oak, they tanned the
hides. They dressed it with a drawing-knife, and greased it with coon,
opossum or bear’s oil. There were no shoemakers, and every family made
their own shoes. The men divided their time between hunting and farming.
Each had his rifle always in good order; his flints, bullet-molds, screw¬
driver, awl, butcher-knife, and tomahawk were fastened to the shot-pouch
strap or to the belt around the waist.
The buckskin breeches were exceedingly comfortable in dry weather, but
far from it in wet. George Holliday tells the following anecdote of a cir-
custance that occured on Big Muddy in days when men wore “ bucks.” At
the house of an old settler, a young lady of attractions was making her home,
and thither came a courting, a stalwart young man dressed in the usual garb
of the time, his nether limbs being tightly encased in' “ bucks.” His visit
was made on a winter evening. The weather had been moderate for some
days, and the early portion of the night, while raining, sleeting and snowing
by turns, was tolerably comfortable.
‘‘ The golden hours on angel wings
Flew o’er him and his dearie,”
and bed time came all too soon for the loving twain. The inclemency of the
weather was such as to forbid his returning home that night. He was
politely shown, by the loved damsel, into a room where he was to sleep, the
roof of which, was sadly out of repair. The youth hastily divested himself
of his buckskin trowsers, dropped them carelessly on the floor, and crept to
bed, to live again in dreams, the happy hours that he had passed in the
society of his charmer. The night, it has been said, was very stormy, and
rapidly grew colder. His buckskin breeches were considerably open at the
place of greatest circumference The wind blew fiercely, and drove the sleet
and snow in masses through the defective roof, and into the poor fellow’s
“ bucks” who was unconsciously dreaming beneath the coverings. The in¬
tense cold, towards morning, froze the snow 'and sleet, which had filled his
trowsers, into a solid block of ice. When he arose in the morning an d found
it out of the question to get even a foot into the leg of his pants, his feelings
may better be imagined than described. He stood on the cold floor in night
clothes, that are said to have been somewhat abbreviated, the thermometer
standing below zero, with a downward tendency, and thought “ what shall I
do ? ” There was but one thing to do, thaw them out, so into the family
room he went, with “ bucks ” in hand, up to the only fireplace in the house,
and set them down upon the hearth. They stood erect as though containing
the limbs of a pioneer, and thus he left them to thaw, while he went back to
bed. But the troubles of the hapless youth, were not yet ended. The side
next the fire thawed first, and as the ice gave way, the “ bucks ” toppled
over towards the flames. The leather began to scorch and draw into
patches ; the old settler smelling the odor, hastily sprang from his bed to
save the breeches, but he was too late, they were a total wreck. The condi¬
tion of the young man seemed indeed desperate ; his home was miles away,
and the cold was severe. The old man came to his relief, loaned him a pair
of bucks, and sent him on his way. It was long before he called again. He
married another girl, reared a large family of children, was elected County
Commissioner of Jackson county, and was, for some years, a Justice of the
Peace, was a faithful and capable officer. He died in 1852 or ’53.
In these days of furbelows and flounces, when twenty-five and thirty yards
are required by one fair damsel, for a dress, it. is refreshing to know that the
ladies of that ancient day considered six yards an extravagant amount to put
into one dress. The dress was made plain, with two widths in the skirt, the
front one cut gored. The waist was very short, and across the shoulders,
behind, was a draw-string. The sleeves were enormously large, and tapered
from shoulder to wrist and the most fashionable, for fashion, like love,
rules alike “the court and grove,” were padded, so as to resemble a bolster
at the upper part, and were called “ sheep-shank sleeves ” . Those who could
afford it, used feathers, which gave the sleeve the appearance of an inflated
balloon from elbow up, and were known as “ pillow sleeves ” Some of these
were extremely large, extending up to the ears, and almost, obscuring the
countenance. Paper was used when feathers or pads were not obtainable.
Kissing the girls at parties, was called, by the young men, “ squeezing the
pillows.” The bonnet, was usually of tow, made for splits. Many bows and
some ribbons, were worn, but scarcely any jewelry. The tow dress was super¬
seded by the cotton gown. Around the neck, instead of lace collar or ele¬
gant ribbon, there was disposed a copperas-colored neckerchief. The women
mostly went barefoot in summer; in winter, they wore moccasius and shoe-
packs. In going to church or other public gathering, they walked barefoot
till they arrived in sight of their destination, when they would stop and put
on their moccasins. They were contented and even happy without any of
the elegant articles of apparel now used by the ladies, and considered neces¬
sary articles of dress. Ruffles, fine laces, silk hats, kid gloves, false curls,
rings, combs, and jewels, were nearly unknown ; nor did their lack of them
“ vex their souls.” Many of them were grown before they ever saw the in-
28
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
side of a respectable dry goods store. They were reared in simplicity, lived
in simplicity, and were happy in simplicity.
1 Th« mothers of our Fore9t-Land I
Stout-hearted dames were they j
With nerve to wield the battle-brand,
And join the border fray.
Our rough land had no braver
In its days of toil and strife —
Aye, ready for severest toil,
Aye, free to peril life.
The mothers of our Forest-Land !
How shared they, with each dauntless band,
War’s tempest and Life’s toil?
They shrank not from the foeman —
They quailed not in the fight —
But cheered their husbands through the day,
And soothed them through the night.
The mothers of our Forest-Land!
Their bosoms .pillowed men !
And proud were they by such to stand,
In hammock, fort, or glen,
To'load the sure old rifle —
To run the leaden ball —
To watch a battling husband’s place,
And fill it should he fall.
The mothers of our Forest- Land!
Such were their daily deeds.
Their monument ! — where does it stand I
Their epitaph ! — who reads ?
No braver dames had Sparta,
No nobler matrons, Rome —
Yet who lauds or honors them,
E’en in their own green home !
The mothers of our Forest-Land !
They sleep in unknown graves,
And had they borne and nursed a band
Of ingrates or of slaves,
They .had not now been neglected.”
The settlers generally brought some food with them to last till a crop
could be raised. Hence, after a short time, they were dependent on their
own exertions. It may be interesting to direct attention in few words more
specifically to the diet. Wild meat was plentiful. Small patches of Indian
corn were raised, which in the earliest days of settlement was beaten in a
mortar. This made wholesome, but coarse bread, on which they could not
shut their teeth very close on account of the grit it contained. Hog and
hominy made a favorite dish, and also hoe-cake and gravy. Johnny-cakes
and pones were served up at dinner, while milk and mush was the dish for
supper. The streams abounded in fish, which formed a healthful article of
diet, Many kinds of greens, such as dock and polk, were eaten. The
“ truck-patch ” furnished roasting-ears, pumpkins, beans, squashes and po¬
tatoes, and these were used by all. For reaping-bees, log-rollings, and
house-raisings, the standard dish was pot-pie. The typical woodsman
thought coffee and tea fit only for sick women and children, and said they
would not “ stick to the ribs.” Many kinds of fruits were contributed by
generous nature. Wild grapes, cherries, plums, paw-paws, persimmons,
crab-apples, red and black haws, and plums were plentiful in their season.
The amusements of that day were more rude and athletic than now.
Among settlers in a wilderness, from the very nature of the case, a higher
value is placed upon physical than upon mental endowments. Skill in wood¬
craft, superiority of muscular development, accuracy in target-shooting with
the rifle, activity, swiftness of foot, were qualifications which brought their
possessor fame. Foot-racing was often practiced, and the Jackson County
settlements contained some runners of uncommon swiftness. Thomas Whit¬
son, whose sons are living east of Big Hill, at the old homestead, was cele.
brated among the pioneers for his fleetness. He ran many races before there
appeared a champion who was able to develop a burst of speed sufficient to
beat him. A match was at last made between him and Marble Henson,
which Mr. Henson won. But perhaps the most rapid runner which Jackson
could boast was John Bittle. This man was a soldier in the war of 1812,
and no one in His company or regiment could equal his astonishing speed.
He defeated both Mr. Whitson and Mr. Henson. At the treaty of Fort
Ash Mr. Bittle was victorious against all comers.
Target-shooting was practiced much, and shots were made by the hunters
and settlers with flint-lock rifles that can scarcely be equalled by their chil¬
dren with the improved breech-loaders of this day. There was hardly a
settler i)ut shot well, but some few were especially celebrated for their skill.
Among the first, if not the first, was Capt. William Boon, the ranger. Other
distinguished marksmen were the Davis’, James and Joshua, and Zekiel
Tucker. Jumping and wrestling were indulged in, and those who excelled
were thenceforward men of notoriety. Cards, dice, and other gambling
implements were unknown. Dancing was a favorite amusement. It was
participated in by all.
“Alike all ages ; dames of ancient days
Have led their children through the mirthful maze,
And the gray grandsire, skilled in gestic lore,
Has frisked beneath the burden of three score.”
From 1820 to 1830 a barbarous sport known as “ gander pulling ” wag
frequently indulged in by the young men. Whiskey was provided, and a
pony purse was made up, or a premium was offered. A gander was then
taken, and his neck was thoroughly greased or soaked, when he was tied by
the feet to a springing pole, which was eight or nine feet from the ground.
The riders then mounted, and spurred full speed under the pole, and endea¬
voured to jerk off the hapless gander’s head. The first one who grabbed
usually turned the feathers on the gander’s neck the wrong way, and caused
the neck to appear still more slender. A man was posted with a whip near
the gander to whip up the horses, so that all would shoot by the pole at the
same rate of speed.
We are glad to know that this brutalizing sport is a thing of the past. It
is certainly possible for a rational being to amuse himself without inflicting
pain upon helpless animals.
Disputes were settled often by a square stand-up fight, and no one thought
of using other weapons than those of nature. They held no grudges after
their fights, for this was considered unmanly. It was the rule that, if a
fight occurred between two persons, the victor should pour water for the
defeated as he washed away the traces of the fray, after which the latter was
to perform the same service for the former.
On one occasion a couple of old “ cubs ” got into a fight. They “fibbed”
away merrily on each others’ ribs, for a while, struck out viciously for the
“ bread baskets,” handled their “ mauleys ” dexterously, sent in “stingers ”
on “ potato-traps,” pasted each other hotly in their respective “smellers,”
after the most approved style of the fistic art, and in accordance with the
rules of the “ Loudon prize ring.” At last one got the head of the other in
“chancery,” and he was forced to cry “ enough.” As the winner of the first
round was pouring water upon the hands of the loser, the latter said, “ Well,
you have whipped me, but I will bet you five venison hams that my wife can
whip your wife. The bet was at once taken, and the time appointed for the
“set-to” between the women. When they mentioned the matter to their
spouses, however, they found them utterly unwilling to so unsex and disgrace
themselves, and so the affair ended.
Among the early settlers money was scarcely known of. Of this fact we
have once briefly spoken, but now wish to be more explicit. In lieu of a
medium of exchange, barter was adopted. Cattle were made the standard
of value. A first-rate cow and calf were considered to be worth at trade
rates, ten dollars ; a second-rate cow and calf were valued at eight dollars,
and a third-rate cow and her calf were estimated to be worth only six dol¬
lars. The value of all other property was estimated by rate, and if there was
a dispute as to its value, it was left to arbitration by neighbors, whose judg¬
ment was as that of the supreme court, and from which there was no appeal.
All contracts made for years between parties, if there were a disagreement,
were passed upon in this way, and their meaning defined. Beef was worth
about one-half a cent a pound, and pork was about the same price, but no
cash market existed for it anywhere. There were no regular religious ser¬
vices, and no system of schools in which to educate the settlers’ children. A
few subscription schools were taught in the country previous to the organiza¬
tion of the county in 1816. The teacher would commonly go among the
settlers and get the number of children subscribed. The usual price of sub¬
scription was two dollars and fifty cents per scholar for a term of three
months. Public-spirited settlers, who had no children, would frequently tell
the teacher to go on and see how many he could enroll, and then if there
were not enough to pay him for his services, to come to them again, when
they would sign one or two, or more pupils. They clearly apprehended the
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
29
great principle underlying our public free-school system, that “ the property
of all should aid in the education of the children.” Educate the-child
and he becomes a blessing not only to his parents, but,to his neighborhood,
to his county, to his state, and to his country. Like the air and light, his
influence cannot be confined, but will be shed freely upon all men.
The “band mills” were built in a very simple way, upon a cheap plan,
and were driven by horse-power. The horse-power consisted of a large up¬
right shaft, twelve feet in height, with some eight or ten long arms let into
the main shaft, and extending out from it 15 feet. Auger-holes were bored
into the arms on the upper side at the end, into which wooden pins were
driven. This was called the “ big wheel,” and was, as has been seen, about
20 feet in diameter.
The raw-hide belt or tug was made of skins, taken off of beef cattle, which
were cut into strips 3 inches in width , these were twisted into a round cord
or tug, which was long enough to encircle the circumference of the big
wheel, where it was held in place by the wooden pins, then to cross and pass
under a shed to run around a drum, or what was called a “ trunnel head,”
which was attached to the grinding apparatus. The horses were hitched to
the arms by means of rawhide tugs attached to the arms. Then walking in
a circle the machinery would be set in motion. To grind ten bushels of
corn was considered a good day’s work for a band mill.
The settlers often went to Riley’s Mill, near Kaskaskia, to get their grain
ground.
The early settlers were honest and law-abiding. When all danger from
Indians had happily passed away, the use of bolts and bars became obsolete.
Such a crime as larceny rarely occurred, and when it did occur, generally
was suggested by the pressing necessities of the thief. We have space for an
account of a hog-stealing scrape that happened in the “good old days ” A
man, by the name of Wolf, was brought before one of the lower courts,
charged with stealing a hog. When the charges were read, and he was
asked by the court if he were guilty or not guilty, he coolly addressed him¬
self to the court, saying : “If your honor please, I believe I am ; but if you
have any doubts as to the facts, just call up Bill Page ; he was with me and
got half of theshoat. But,” said he, “ we needed it, or we would not have
taken it.’’ The court considered the matter for some time in silence, and
then proceeded to announce the verdict, as follows : “ It appears from the
testimony that you, Wolf, the defendant in this suit, have violated the
statutory law of the state, and are guilty of a misdemeanor. Your are fined
five gallons of whiskey, and the costs; the court to be paid in deer skins
killed in the short-blue season.” An explanation of the meaning of the
phrase, “short-blue season,” may be necessary. The deer sheds its coat twice
a year. The thick and heavy winter coat is shed in the spring, and its place
is supplied by a light and thin coat of hair ; in September this is changed
for a thick coat of iron-gray or cloudy blue hair. The season when this
coat succeeds the other is called the blue-season, and at this time the skins
are most valuable and durable.
The majority of the settlers were poor, hence poverty carried with it m>
sense of degradation like that felt by the very poor of our age. They
lived, it is true, in a cabin, but it was their own, reared by their hands.
They were destitute of many of the conveniences of life, and of some things
that are now considered necessaries; but they patiently endured their lot, and
cheerfully looked forward to better days. They had plenty to wear as pro¬
tection against the weather, and an abundance of wholesome food. They sat
down to a rude table to eat off of pewter dishes, but the meat thereon spread
— the flesh of the deer or bear, of the squirrel or wild duck — was superior to
that which we eat, and was won by the skill of the head of the house, or of
his vigorous sons. The bread which they ate was ground from corn or
wheat of their own raising. They walked the green carpet of the grand
forest that surrounded them, not with the air of a beggar, but with the
elastic step of a self-respecting freeman.
The grater was used to supply them with meal, until hand-mills took their
place. Often they took their grain to have it ground at Riley’s Mill, near
Kaskaskia, around which cluster so many deeply interesting historical recol¬
lections. The following description of it is taken from “ Historical Sketches
of Randolph County.”
riley’s mill.
This is situated on the eastern side of Kaskaskia. For aught that is now
known to the contrary, the first mill that was erected in Illinois may have
stood upon this mill site ; for the time previous to the building of a mill there,
has passed from the traditions of Kaskaskia. Certain it is, however, that a
mill was standing there one hundred and fifty years ago. According to the
title records, now in possession of Mr. Riley, the name of the person owning
the mill at that period was Prix Pagi. [This name is somewhat confounded
with that of Paget, and as the French pronounced both names, it is probable
that it is the same name, though spelled differentfy. Peck and Reynolds
both employ Paget, in reference to this miller, but the name in the deed of
conveyance which Mr. Riley holds, is spelled Pagi.] He erected a stone
building, and manufactured flour for the New Orleans and Mobile markets.
How long he continued to run the mill is not known, but he lest his life in
one of those tragic scenes common to Indian barbarity. One day while su¬
perintending the operations of the mill, the premises were attacked by a band
of Kickapoo Indians, and he was murdered in a most shocking manner.
When the attack was made upon the mill, a negro escaped by a back way. fled
to the town and gave the alarm. The people came and found the body of Pagi
upon the floor mangled and cut to pieces. The head was severed from the
body, scalped, and thrown into the hopper.
After thfe death of Pagi, the mill was abandoned and became a ruin — the
walls only remaining. About the year 1795, General Edgar purchased the
tract of land and rebuilt the mill. The mill-pond, situated about three hun¬
dred yards distant from the mill, was made by nature, and apparently des¬
ignated for the purpose. It covers an area of about forty acres, and is sur¬
rounded by an irregular range of hills, with an outlet for the water on the
side towards the mill, about three hundred feet wide. An embankment, or
dam, was made across this outlet, and the water forced to pass through an
arched culvert, at the end of which is a gate to regulate the passage of the
water. During the interval in which the mill ceased to run, this dam was
alm&st destroyed by the wear of the floods, but it was repaired by General
Edgar, and made more substantial than before. At the time these repairs
were made, Mrs. Edgar and “ Dice,” a negress belonging to the family,
planted some little cotton-wood scions in mellow dirt, which have grown to be
stately trees. The regular order in which these are standing upon that em¬
bankment has prompted many a curious conjecture. Strangers visiting the
ground are apt to notice this regularity.
Gen. Edgar kept the mill in operation for many years, and the pioneers,
as they came to the country and settled in different parts of the county, re¬
sorted to it to have their milling done. A few of those relics of early days are
still remaining, and they retain vivid recollections of the days when they rode
astride of a horse, with a sack containing two bushels of corn for a saddle, a
distance of ten or fifteen miles, to “ Edgar’s Mill,” and waited and fished in
the mill-pond until their “ turn ” was ground. Waiting for “ turns ” was an
interesting epoch for boys whose social disposition found but few opportuni¬
ties for exercise in their isolated homes. Many a happy hour has been whiled
away around that old mill, by the boys who congregated there from different
settlements. “ Mill boys ” did not require the formalities of an introduction
before they joined in a game of marbles or bat. It was a privilege to go to
mill, and the longer they had to wait the better it pleased them.
With men it was different. They were always in a hurry, and jealous of
their rights. If one was ever cheated out of his “ turn,” which sometimes
happened, a fight was the result. But these happy days for boys, and hours
of nervous anxiety for men, have passed away.
The mill ceased to operate again while yet in the hands of General Edgar,
and remained still for several years. In 1832 it was purchased by Messrs.
Feaman & Co. It was again repaired and put in good business order. This
company conducted it for some years, when it again changed hands.
It came into the possession of the present enterprising -proprietor, Mr.
Daniel Riley, in 1842. Formally, the water was conveyed to the wheel through
hollow logs. Since Mr. Riley has had it, he has constructed a substantial
frame work for this conveyance, and has made such other improvements as
prevents the waste of water, and secures a sufficient quantity to keep the
mill running, with about fourteen horse power, during nearly the whole
season.
The wheel is an over-shot, and no more water is allowed to 'escape from
the pond than is necessary to drive the machinery.
Such is a history of this ancient mill. All that now remains of the
original structure is the northeast corner. This part of the building has
stood through all the changes of its eventful existence, and its permanence
would indicate that it may defy the corrosive attrition of another century.
A short distance in front of the mill stands a beautiful little mound, called
“ Mound Isabella,” named in honor of Mrs. Edgar. Some fruit trees,
planted by her and “ Aunt Dice,” are still growing upon this mound. This
30
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY \ ILLINOIS.
negro woman was the house servant of Mrs. Edgar, fche died three years
ago, having lived one hundred years.
A spring of pure cold water gushes out of the side of the bluff, close to
the place where Mr. Riley’s store-house is now located, whose clear stream
has slaked the thirst of those who brought the germ of civilization to the
Western world. A former age may claim it, and the associations of an¬
tiquity may cluster around it, but its waters are as fresh and pure to-day as
when the first white man drank from its pebbly urn.
Mr. Riley established a store a few years ago close to his mill, and he has
brought around him a very brisk and remunerative trade. In 1855, finding
the capacity of the old mill inadequate to the demands of an increased popu¬
lation, and the increased growth of wheat, he commenced the erection of a
steam-mill which has since gone into operation. Both mills may be kept
running most of the year, by the water of the pond above described.
In 1818 the population increased but slowly, and but few immigrants
came. In the previous year the first representative was elected from the
new county. In 1818 Illinois aspired to a place amongst the sisterhood of
sovereign states. In January of that year the legislature assembled at Kas-
kaskia, prepared and forwarded to our delegate in Congress, Nathaniel
Pope, a petition praying for admission into the Union. The petition was
promptly presented, and the committee on territories to whom it was re¬
ferred, reported a bill for the admission of Illinois into the Union with a
population of 40,000. The bill became a law April 18th, 1818. In pur¬
suance thereof, a convention was called to draft the first Constitution of the
State of Illinois. This assembled in Kaskaskia in July, 1818, and com¬
pleted its labors on the 26th of the ensuing August. Jackson county was
represented in this convention by her two most prominent and able citizens,
Conrad Will and James Hall, Jr. A remarkable fact connected with Il¬
linois history is. that this constitution was never submitted to the people for
their approval or rejection. At the time of the admission of Illinois into
the sisterhood of states, it contained but fifteen counties as follows — we give
them in the order of their organization — St. Clair, Randolph, Madison,
Gallatio, Johnson, Edwards. White, Monroe, Pope, Jackson, Crawford,
Bond, Union, Washington, Franklin; Jesse B. Thomas of St. Clair was
chosen president, and William C. Greenup, Secretary of the Convention.
The first election under the new Constitution was held on the third Thurs¬
day, and two succeeding days in September, 1818. The voters of Jackson
County, elected Wm. Boon, as Senator for the term of four years, and Con¬
rad Will as representative for two.
It cannot be definitely ascertained what the population of our county was
at the time Illinois was welcomed into the Union. In 1820 it was 1,542, in¬
cluding 39 slaves It is probable that in 1818 it was not far from 1,200.
“ Of the fifteen counties organized at the adoption of the Constitution, the
farthest north was Bond. Only about one fourth of the territory of the
state was embraced in these counties. The settled portions of the state were
all on a line drawn from Alton, via., Carlyle to Palestine on the Wabash ;
but within this area were large tracts of wilderness country of several day’s
journey in extent ; the settlements being mostly scattered along the borders
of the great riv'ers. All the vast prairies north of this line, comprising the
most fertile lands in the state, (?) and nearly every acre of which was sus¬
ceptible of cultivation, ready cleared, and prepared as it were for the hand
of the husbandman, was a howling wilderness, uninhabited save by the red
savage and the prairie wolf.
There seems to have risen, before the early citizens of the State, no pro¬
phetic vision of the grand future of the infant Commonwealth ; their ears
beard not the affluent tramp of the coming millions, that were to draw sup¬
port from her rich breast. Could they have discerned the mighty curve
which the youthful State would sweep, how would their hearts have throbbed
with pleasure, and their voices broken out into songs of joy.
THE OLDEST DEEDS.
We give below some old deeds transcribed from the records for this work.
The oldest is given first, and is the earliest one on our records. All of the
persons mentioned were men of prominence.
In 1784, John Edgar, who was an officer in the British navy, during the
Revolution, fought against the colonies in their struggles for liberty. He
had wooed and won an American lady whose sympathies were warm and
deep for • the cause of the colonies. Mrs. Edgar was a woman of unusual
talent and projected many plans by which British soldiers, who were tired of
fighting against the cause of freedom, made their escape and joined the
Americans. Edgar was her confidant, and on one occasion, during his wife’s
absence, furnished three deserting soldiers with outfits prepared for them by
her. The soldiers were apprehended and made to reveal the names of those
who had assisted them, and - Edgar had to flee for his life. He remained
awhile in the American army, forming an intimacy with the youthful and
chivalric La Fayette, but deeming the west a safer place for him, emigrated
to Kaskaska. He had been wealthy, but his property.-was confiscated. His
wife, however, saved from the wreck of their fortune, about $12,000, which
she brought with her, two years later, to her western home. General Edgar
was an Irishman by birth, and his separation from the service of Britain
caused him no regret. He did much to Stimulate the commerce of Illinois
territory, by his enterprise, energy and sagacity. He traded extensively in
lands, and left large tracts at his death, in several counties, among them,
Jackson, known to this day as the “ Edgar lands.” He filled many impor-
tent offices with distinguished ability, and for many years was Major General
of the Illinois militia.
John Rice Jones, one of the persons also mentioned in the deed, was the
first lawyer in Illinois, who practiced at the bar. He began practice at Kas¬
kaskia in 1790, the year of his location there. He was a Welshman, born
in 1750. He was an accomplished linguist, classically educated, and possessed
a thorough knowledge of the law. He would have been conspicuous at any
bar, and was a host in himself. He was a man of wonderful industry, and
unlike most pioneers, was never idle. “ As a speaker, he was remarkable for
his fearful power of invention.” He moved from Illinois to Vincennes in
1803, and in the same year, was appointed a United States Judge of the
Indian territory. He moved to St. Louis, and from there to Washington
county, Missouri, and became one of the most prominent men iu the State.
He was a candidate, in opposition to Col. Tom. Benton, for the United Slates
Senate, but was defeated by “ Old Bullion.” The Legislature soothed him
by electing him one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri, which
position he held until his death, in 1824.
William Morrison, was a wealthy and influential citizen of Kaskaska, and
was the first of the name in the State. He was the father of Col. J. L. D.
Morrison, now of St. Louis.
The following indenture was made three years before the organization of
the county.
This indenture, made the second day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and thirteen, between John Edgar, of the town of
Kaskaskia in the County of Randolph, and Illinois Territory, of the one
part, and John Rice Jones, of the County of St. Genevieve, in the Missouri
Territory, of the other part,
Witnesseth: That the said John Edgar, for and in consideration of the
sum of one dollar lawful money of the United States to him in hand paid by
the said William Morrison and John Rice Jones, at or before the sealing
and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged,
hath granted, bargained, and sold and, by these doth grant, bargain.and
sell unto the said William Morrison and John Rice Jones, their executors,
administrators and assigns, all that * * * * tract or parcel
of land, containing four hundred acres, situate at the Marrais Apacquois,
and containing four hundred acres, which by the Commissioners of the Dis¬
trict of Kaskaskia was confirmed to the heirs of Joseph Davis, who con¬
veyed to the said John Edgar * * * * To have and to
hold the said messuage, house, lots, lands and tenements, the said undivided
moiety or half part or share of the said other tracts of land and premises
above bargained and sold and each and every of them, with their and each
and every of their appurtenances to the said William Morrison and John
Rice Jones, their executors, administrators and assigns, from the day next
before the day of the date of these presents, until the full end term of one
whole year from thence next ensuipg and fully to be complete and ended,
yielding and paying therefor at the end of the said term unto the said John
Edgar, his heirs and assigns, the rent of one pepper corn if demanded ;
To the iutent that by virue of these presents and by force of statute made
for transferring of uses into possession, that these the said William Morrison
and John Rice Jones, may be in the actual possession of all and singular the
said premises above bargained and sold and every part thereof, with the ap-
pnrtenances, and may thereby be enabled to accept and take a grant and
release of the same, and of the reversion and inheritance to them and to the
survivor and the heirs of such survivor to and for and upon s&ch uses and trust
interest and purpose as in and by the said grant and release shall be thereof
directed and declared.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
31
In witness whereof the 6aid parties have to these presents set their hands
and seals the day and year before written. J. Edgar. [s ]
T e ( Joseph Conway,
In presence or V _
1 William Arundel.
Illinois Territory, Igs.
Randolph County, j
Before me, the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace for said County,
in his proper person came the within-named John Edgar, who acknowledged
that the foregoing-instrument of writing from him to William Morrison and
John Rice Jones, dated the second day of May, in the year One Thousand
eight Hundred and thirteen, to be his voluntary act and deed, so as the
same may be recorded as such.
Given under my hand and seal, at Kaskaskia, this 30th day of March, 1814.
William Arundel. [s.]
I, M. F. Swartzcope, do hereby certify that the foregoing deed is correctly
transcribed from book“M,” Pp. 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180,
181, 182, 183, 184 and 185, R. C. Illinois, Sept. 24th, 1866-
fti’. F, Swartzcope.
We also give the first deed recorded after the organization of the County,
and recorded by order of the Board of Investigation, June, 1843, by D- H.
Brush, Secretary of Board.
The deed was originally recorded at Brownsville, the County-seat, in Book
A, page 154 to 155, June 23rd, 1817.
County Commissioners to James Harreld:
deed.
This indenture, made the 20th day of July, in the year of Our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixteen, between Jesse Griggs, Nathan Davis,
and James Hall, Judges of the County Court of Jackson County, in the
Illinois Territory, of the one part, and James Harreld, of the same county
and territory, of the other part: Witnesseth that the said Jesse Griggs,
Nathan Davis, and James Hall, as judges aforesaid, for and in consideration
of the sum of sixty dollars, lawful mo>pey of the United States, to them in
hand paid by the said James Harreld, to and for the use and benefit of the
said county of Jackson, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have
granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released, and confirmed, and by these pre¬
sents do grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, and confirm unto the said James
Harreld, his heirs and assigns, all their estate, right, title, interest, property,
claim, and demand whatsoever as judges as aforesaid of, in, and to all those
two, several lots, or pieces of ground, described as follows, to wit : situate and
being in the town of Brownsville, the seat of justice for the said county of
Jackson, being numbered 14 and 15, and forming part of twenty acres of
land conveyed to said Jesse Griggs, Nathan Davis, and James Hall, as
judges as aforesaid, to and for the use and benefit of the said county of Jack-
son, by Conrad Will, of said county, and Susanna, his wife, by deed bearing
date the eleventh day of June last, filed in the office of the Clerk of the
County Court of the said county of Jackson, and recorded in the Recorder’s
Office of the said county, and in the said deed thus described, to wit:
“ Situate on the north side of Big Muddy River, in the said county of Jack-
son and contained within the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at a
post in the southeast of Section No. 2, in township No. 9, south range No. 3,
west of the third principal meridian, and running north 40° E., eighty
perches to a stake, thence N. 50° W., forty perches to a stake, thence south
50° E. to the beginning from which said post or beginning corner, a white
oak, 18 inches In diameter, bears north 56° W., 31 links to a point, on the
northerly bank of Big Muddy River, where the line between sections No. 2
and No. 11 strikes said river, forty poles easterly of the quarter-section cor¬
ner, bears S. 16° W. forty poles, containing twenty acres, and which piece or
parcel of ground forms part or parcel of land containing 160 acres, being the
southeast quarter of section No. 2 in township No. 9, south range No. 3, W.,
which said tract or parcel of land was entered by James Gilbreath with the
Register of the Land Office for the district of Kaskaskia, in conformity to a
law of the United States, providing for the location of confirmed unlocated
claims as will more fully and at large appear, by a reference to the said
entry on record in the office of the said Register of the Land Office for said
district, and for which he, the said James Gilbreath, tendered in payment to
the Receiver of Public Moneys for the said district of Kaskaskia, one hun¬
dred and sixty acres of land, being part of the confirmed unlocated donation
claim of widow Marie Racine, of four hundred acres, and confirmed to
William Morrisson, as per the said Register’s certificate of confirmation, No.
158 claim, No. 430, and which said part, to wit: One hundred and sixty
acres was conveyed to the said James Gilbreath by the said William Morris¬
son and Eliza, his wife, by deed, bearing date the 26th day of October, one
thousand eight hundred and fourteen, as will more fully appear by a refer¬
ence to said deed, on file in the said Receiver’s office. Together with all and
singular the rights, members, and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in
anywise appertaining, and the reversions and remainders, rents, issues and
profits thereof. To have and to- hold the said hereby granted two, several
lots or pieces of ground, with the appurtenances, unto the said James Har¬
reld, his heirs and assigns, to the only proper use and behoof of the said
James Harreld, his heirs and assigns for ever. And the said Jesse Griggs,,
Nathan Davis, and James Hall, as judges as aforesaid, the said hereby
granted premises unto the said James Harreld, his heirs and assigns, against
themselves as judges aforesaid, and their successors in office, and against all
and every other persons and person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to
claim, by, from or under them, or otherwise, shall and will warrant and for¬
ever defend by these presents.
In testimony whereof the said parties have to these presents set their -
hands, and affixed their seals, the day and year above written.
J. Griggs, J. J. C. C. [Seal.]
Nathan Davis, J. J. C. C. [Seal.]
James Hall, J. J. C. C. [Seal.]
Sealed and delivered in presence of
George Creath and James Harreld.
Received the day and year within written of the within named James
Harreld the sum of sixty dollars, being the full consideration money within
mentioned, to be by him paid to us.
J. Griggs, J. J. C. C.
Nathan Davis, J. J. C. C.
James Hall, J. J. C. C.
Wittnesses present : George Creath.
James Harreld.
Charles Garner to James Harreld of the original filed in my office.
S. Bond.
The oldest marriage license is as follows :
“Jan. 14th, 1843. Issued marriage license to George M. Brown and
Anna Cross.
[Signed] Dan’l. H. Brush, Clk. Co. Com. Court.”
We give two more :
“ December 27, 1849.
laide Upperdale.
Issued marriage license to John Brown and Ade-
John A. Logan, C'k.”
“ December 2nd, 1850.
Thomas Whitson to Susan Dillo.
C. Thomas, Deputy Clerk.”
CHAPTER V.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
FIRST PERMANENT SETTLEMENT— FIRST DEATH— FIRST VOLUNTEERS.
HE settlement of Jackson county began almost with the century.
Prior to this period, the whole country was occupied by different
tribes of Indians, many of them hostile to the white, and warring
against one another. The tribe known as Kaskaskias, only a
•emnant of their former greatness, were dispossessed of their ancient inheri¬
tance, and driven southward by a stronger and more war-like band of red
nen, — and some few others were friendly to the whites, and craved and
•eceived protection of them, from implacable enemies of their own race. The
white settlers were chiefly Canadian French, who had emigrated to the great
iralley of the Mississippi in the days of French rule, before the decisive con-
licton the Heights of Abraham and capture of the“ Gibraltar of America,”
Quebec, and American English, from the east, who set their faces westward
ifter that great historical event. There were settlements at Kaskaskia, six
32
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
miles from the mouth of the river of that name in Randolph county, at Prairie
Du Rocher, at St Geneviet Missouri, Cahokia and at St. Louis, now the me¬
tropolis of the Mississippi valley, thus forming a narrow strip along the great
river, in what has long been known as the American Bottom. The first
white person who visited the soil of Jackson, so far as known, were those
from the northern settlements, who crossed the stream now known as Degog-
nia Creek, for the purpose of making sugar from the maple tree. Undoubt¬
edly a good deal of sugar was made east of said creek, for years, before any
permanent settlement was made in the county. The Indians, usually jealous,
and quick to resent any intrusion of the hated pale-face, upon their hunting
grounds, we are told, interposed no obstacles in the way of the sugar makers,
but gave them plainly to understand they were welcome. At this time, an
unbroken wilderness, filled with savage beasts and still more savage men,
stretched itself south and eastward as far as the Ohio river, without a white
settler. Dense, almost impenetrable thickets of cane, grew abundantly along
bluffs east of Degognia creek, and iikthe bottoms rushes grew in the greatest
abundance.
In the year 1802, the first permanent settlement was made in the county
east of Degognia creek, by a man named Reed and family, and another with
his family, named Emsley Jones. Which came first is not now known. Mr.
Reed, destined to a death of violence, chose as his future home, a fertile spot
under the bluffs, near a creek which has been called after him, “ Reed’s
creek ; ” Jones settled in the bottom, near a pond, afterwards known as
“ Jones’ pond. These families came from the old settlement of Kaskaskia,
in Randolph county ; further than this, but little is known of their former
history. Reed, who is said to have been an industrious, inoffensive and good
man, went energetically to work, and soon had opened, a small farm. No
doubt he looked forward to the time when plenty should surround him as the
reward of industry and frugality, and the hope of a better day dawning upon
the'lonely settlement, in the primeval forests, steeled his heart and nerved his
arm against the dangers which clustered around him. But far different was
his fate. His neighbor, Emsley Jones, conceived a violent passion against
him, and shot at, and killed him. This was the first murder committed with¬
in the limits of our county. After Jones had taken the life of his neighbor,
he fled to a place known as Walker Hill. Here he was apprehended, taken
from thence to the seat of justice, Kaskaskia, given a fair trial before a jury
of his own countrymen, found guilty of murder, and expiated his great crime
upon the gallows. As his was the first murder, so was he the first white per¬
son hung, whose murderous deed was done within the present limits of Jack-
son county. The after fate of both families, that of the murderer and of
his victim, is shrouded in mystery.
As early as 1780, a white explorer passed through Jackson county from
the eastward to the river. His steps were followed ten years later, by a
party of four who passed through the southeast portion of the county.
In the year 1800, a party of four pioneers and their wives camped for a
week at Stone Fort, under the powerful protection of some Indian chiefs re¬
siding there, and passed on. In 1803, one of this party, Daniel F. Cole¬
man, returned -and settled in what is known as section 33, and remained
there until his death, which occured in 1814. His chief reliance for sup¬
port was hunting. What afterwards became of his wife and family is un¬
known. This settlement was in Makanda Township.
John Reynolds in his “ Pioneer History of Illinois,” a work most valua¬
ble to those who would know thoroughly the early history of this mighty
state, says that “ Henry Noble and Jesse Griggs, settled on Big Muddy
River, in 1804. Reynolds knew them both, and most probably got his in¬
formation directly from them. Some are yet living in our midst who well
remember them both. Henry Noble was an old man, at the time. Jesse
Griggs was probably thirty years old in 1804, and was married to a daughter
of Mr. Noble. They were farmers and stock rearers. Mr. Noble and wife
lived and died on the place first selected as their home. Jesse Griggs was
long a useful and prominent citizen, and held important offices in the
county. He was a member of the first county court, with Nathan Davis, and
James Hall, Jr., as associates. It was made the duty of this court to locate
the county seat, which was called Brownsville. After the location of the
county’s capital, Jesse Griggs moved with his family to it. It may be well
to state here that the county seat had a name before a location, for the act
of the territorial legislature, contained the specification that when a site for
the county seat had been selected it should be called Brownsville. The sit¬
tings of the Legislature at this time were in Kaskaskia, then the seat of
government.
Near these located John Phillips, a tailor, who, we may be sure, for some
years had but little work to do at his trade, John Bittle and Hugh McMil-
len, with some few others. In 1805 or 1806, Wm. Boon, a native of North |
Carolina, related to the celebrated Daniel Boone, the first settler of Kentucky,
who prompted by a spirit of adventure had left his father’s house at the
early age of eighteen, and traveled through Tennessee to Missouri, came to I
Jackson county and commenced an improvement under the bluff, east of
Degognia. He built a house and opened a farm, and in the fall of 1806, or
early in the spring of 1807, moved his family to their new home. He had !
been living since 1802, on the east bank of the Okaw or Kaskaskia River,
a short distance below the town of that uame, which at the period referred
to, was the seat of fashion, refinement, wealth, and power in Illinois. He was
a courageous man, and commanded a company of rangers for the protection
of the settlements, during the war of 1812. His descendants are still living
in the county. He was the father of Benningsen Boon, who was born in
Jackson County in the year 1807, at the old place mentioned above, where
his father settled.
Further mention will be made of the descendants of William Boon in
another part of the work. The biography of Benningsen Boon, who is con¬
nected most honorably with the annals of this county, will be found in this
history. The year 1806 brought with it quite a number of immigrants. The
study of the history of our county, developed the somewhat remarkable fact
that immigration came in waves. Sometimes for several years there would
be scarcely one new settler to be welcomed, and then, again, twenty or thirty
families in one year would come to cast in their fortunes with those who had
preceded them. One of these waves struck Jackson County in the year 1 806.
Prominent among those who settled this year was Col. James Gill, a man of
education and moral worth. Col. Gill was born in South Carolina in 1781.
He left his native state in the days of his youth, and after some wanderings,
settled on Mary’s river, in the county of Randolph. In 1805 he was married
to Janette, daughter of Alexander Gaston, Sr. He was colonel of a militia
regiment during the war of 1812; was a man of great activity, and possessed
to a high degree the esteem of his neighbors, Soon after his marriage, he
with his wife and his brother-in-law, William Gaston, settled at the Devil’s
Bake Oven. Here he opened a good farm and built a ferry-boat to ply be¬
tween the Illinois and Missouri shores of the Mississippi. He possessed some
property and great energy, and soon had erected a double log cabin of the
better class.
Col. Gill had two children by his first wife, Janette : Geo. W. Gill, born in
1811, now a resident of the State of Arkansas, and Eliza E. Gill. Mr. Gill died
in 1814. Col. Gill was married to hissecond wife, Sarah Laughlin',in 1816. She
was the widow of Henry Laughlin, by whom she had three children. Several
children were the fruit of this union. Napoleon Gill, the only son, a worthy
man and a good citizen, is yet living in Perry County, Missouri. Col. Gill
died in 1827, aged 46 years, much to the regret of all who knew him. Sarah,
his wife, died in 1862, at the ripe age of 73 years.
William Gaston settled on the river above the Oven, and, about the year
1814, was married to a daughter of Allen Hanson. He was a man of energy
and thrift, opened a large farm and succeeded well. The old settlers still
cherish vivid recollections of the marvellous richness and strength of his
voice. They remember him as one of uncommon gifts of song. They say
“no one can sing as could William Gaston.” Parker Grosvenor, Sr., a
hard-working, frugal and honest man, settled under the bluff in 1806, also,
near William Boon’s farm. His son, John Grosvenor, was born here in
1810, and died in 1847. Parker Grosvenor, grandson of Parker Grosvenor,
Sr., is now a resident of this county, living on the place settled in 1806. In
the same year came from the State of Tennessee and settled on the banks of
the Mississippi, where the town of Grand Tower now stands, Benjamin Wal¬
ker, Sr. Mr. W alker was a man of integrity and industry, and proved to be
a very useful citizen. He worked energetically to subdue the soil, and soon
found himself the possessor of an excellent farm. After some years, he sold
out to Judge Samuel Cochran, and located on Big Muddy, where he lived
for many years. In his old age he again moved to the hills, where he died.
He had a large family, yet has but few descendants. Nathan Walker, his
oldest son, when John Reynolds, Governor of Illinois, called for *nen at the
outbreak of the Black Hawk War, promptly volunteered and did good ser¬
vice. The year 1806 witnessed the settlement of several more families, and
prominent among them was the Brooks family. They chose as their home a
place in the bottom, a short distance below the mouth of Degognia Creek. <
The Brookses were warm friends of William Boon.- They had been ac¬
quainted with him for many years, having first known him in Missouri, where
Mr. Boon and Mr. Brooks worked in the lead mines side by side.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY. , ILLINOIS.
33
At this time, also came David Bilderback, to cast in his lot with that of
the sparse, infant settlement, and, during the same year, feeling that it was
not good for man to be alone, took unto himself a wife. Three children were
born to them. Mrs. Bilderback sickened and died in 1810. ‘David was
married in 1817, to Hannah his second wife, by whom he had five children.
His son Daniel died in 1833. Mr. B. was a very industrious man and
opened a fine farm. He was a good citizen and kind neighbor, and left an
honorable name to his descendants. He finally sold his farm to Dr. W. W.
Higgins.
As early as 1806, old Mr. Morrow and his sons, Thomas and John, settled
on the n. w. qr. sec. 18 to 10 r. 3. This family came from Big Creek and
Grand Pierre Creek on the Ohio River. John, the older of the two boys,
had, while living on the Grand Pierre, been united in bonds of wedlock to a
young woman named Meaky Johnson, and had several children by her, be¬
fore he settled in Jackson County : Thomas, after his arrival most probably,
married a daughter of Peter Hammon. The brothers divided the farm be¬
tween them, which is mentioned above. In 1817, John disposed of his in¬
terest to William McRoberts, and not very long after this was taken sick and
died. Thomas made a good farm. His first wife dying he married again.
He was a prosperous and happy man. In his later years he devoted much
time to religious subjects, and exerted a most beneficial influence upon those
with whom he was associated. He died in 1829, at peace with God and all
men. Two of his sons, John and Thomas, incited by the love of adventure,
and, perhaps, animated by the hope of military distinction, volunteered in
the war against Mexico. They were both under age and unable to endure
the exposure and fatigue incident to the life of a soldier, and, during Col.
Dawson’s overland march across arid plains to the arena of war, they were
both attacked by the dreadful camp disease, and died.
Old Peter Hammon, father-in-law of Thomas Morrow, established himself
where J. P. East, now lives He built a hand-mill — the first that was erected
at Big Hill. He had a family, and had the reputation of being unstable and
immoral. He was naturally wild and rough. “Not a very bad man,” his
neighbours used to say, “ and yet not a very good one.” Not much is knovyn
of his latter history.
As early as 1806, Jacob Lonzadder, with his large family, settled
upon the place now occupied by Henry B. Whitson. He was a very active
and energetic man, economical and industrious, who attended strictly to his
own business, and permitted other people to attend to theirs. He cleared
away the forest, erected necessary buildings, and in a few years was the owner
of as neat and good a farm as any to be found in the county. He, as indeed
did all the families previously spoken of, set out an orchard of apple, peach,
and cherry trees. These fruits were superior, in those days, to those now
produced. The blight was then unknown which now so often proves de¬
structive. Mr. Louzadder’s oldest daughter was married to Jacob Thompson.
Several children were born to them, when the death of Mr. Thompson occur¬
red. He was buried by his mother-in-law, on the Lonzadder farm. A Mr.
Reed Redfield .married Polly, another daughter, and in 1829 they moved to
northern Illinois. Another daughter became the wife of Ezekiel Tucker, and
still another was married to a Mr. Miller. They all moved to the northward.
George Lonzadder, who was born near 1807, died in the year 1829, at the
homestead. He was a young man of good morals and correct habits, and
was a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
About this time, also, viz., 1806, settled under the bluff a family named
Brillhart. Jacob, a son, was for some time in the employ of William Boon,
at Sand Ridge When the war of 1812 broke out between Great Britain
and the youthful republic of the United States, and William Boon recruited
his company of rangers for the protection of the feeble and exposed settle¬
ments, this young man joined his company and did his duty as a good soldier
and brave man. After the termination of the war and the disbanding of the
rangers, this bold soldier boy wooed and won a daughter of Nathan Davis,
then and for many years a prominent and valuable citizen of the county.
When Mr. Davis moved to the south-west the son-in-law and family accom¬
panied him.
Mr. George Saddler was in the employ of Mr. Boon during the years 1806
and 1807. He cleared land and erected a house for Mr. Boon, on Sand
Ridge, with the assistance of a married son.
It is probable that Wm. McRoberts immigrated to this county as early as
1806, although the exact date of his arrival is not known. Certain it is that
he settled under the bluff at an early time, some years prior to 1810. He
was a younger brother of James McRoberts, father of Samuel McRoberts.
He was crippled in one leg, was a miller, and at one time had charge of
i
i
Gen. Edgar’s mill, near Kaskaskia. He was a man of fine mind and excel¬
lent memory, stored with' a host of recollections of other days, which he loved
to pour forth to the great delight of his listeners. There are those living who
knew this jolly miller, not less light-hearted than the famous “ Miller of the
Dee,” and they possess vivid memories of his stories, relating to stirring
scenes which he had witnessed on the upper waters of the Ohio during the
Indian wars ; stories of “Mad Anthony Wavne,” and his drilling of his
troops at Pittsburg before his memorable and successful campaign against
the hitherto victorious confederated tribe3 of savages. Though in many
respects a good citizen, he was yet an intemperate man. In 1817 he bought
a farm at the Big Hill, of John Morrow, as before stated, moved to it, and
greatly improved his purchase. He was a thrifty farmer, an honest man,
and maintained his family in good style for those days. He died in 1836,
having exceeded man’s allotted time, at the good old age of seventy-four
years.
In 1804 Jonas Vancil had moved from Kentucky to Illinois, and settled
where the town of Jonesboro’, the county-seat of Union County, now stands.
Not being satisfied there, he moved in 1806 to this county, and opened the
farm now owned by Mrs. Zimmerman, in Makanda Township. He joined
the church of the “ Latter-day Saints,” and afterwards became a minister of
the Mormon faith. He divided his time between hunting and preaching,
and died at the great age of one hundred and two years, in 1856.
Isaac Yancil came with his father in 1806. He opened, in early man¬
hood, the farm in Makanda Township, now owned by Col. B. L. Wiley. He
was a mighty hunter and possessed universal vigor of mind. His biography
appears in the historical sketch of Makanda Township (q. v.)
Between 1805 and 1812 came the following persons, and settled at Dutch
Ridge, in Ridge Township, viz. : Benjamin F. Conners, whose descendants
are among our most worthy citizens, Samuel Pyatt, Daniel Wood, Robert
Fryatt, Leonard Lipe, Alles House, Isaac Wilson, John Zimmerman, and
Zachariah Lyrely. Most of these had served with credit in the war of the
Revolution,* and had received an honorable discharge.
CHAPTER VI.
THE WAR OF 1812.
MOUNTED RANGERS ON FRONTIER— INDIAN DEPREDATIONS— FORTS ERECTED.
ERY few families came into the county between the outbreak of
the war and 1816. The reasons are not hard to adduce. In¬
dians, from being peaceable, became hostile, and prowled around
the feeble settlements, watching an opportunity to strike them a
destructive blow. It was unsafe to traverse the wide reaches of forests that
lay between the settlements along the Mississippi and those of the Wabash
and Ohio. A very few families immigrated to Jackson, mostly from the
country northward.
Early in April, 1812, Congress passed an act laying an embargo, for
ninety days, on all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States. On
the 4th of June, following, a bill declaring war against Great Britain passed
the House of Representatives, and on the 17th the Senate; and on the 19th
the President issued a proclamation of war.
Exertions were at once made to enlist 25,000 men, to raise 50,000 volun¬
teers, and to call out 100,000 militia for the defence of the sea coast and
frontiers. Henry Dearborn, of Massachusetts, an officer of the Revolution,
was appointed Major-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Army. The
army of the West was under command of William Henry Harrison. Con¬
gress had, as early as in 1811, passed an act for the organization of ten com¬
panies of mounted rangers to protect the frontiers of the West.
These companies composed the 17th United States Regiment, and Col.
William Russell, an old Indian fighter, of Kentucky, was assigned to its
command. Each ranger had to furnish his own horse, provisions, and
equipments all complete, and their recompense from the Government was
one dollar per day. They appointed their own company officers, and were
enlisted for one year. Four companies were allotted to the defence of Illi¬
nois. Independent cavalry companies were also organized for the protection
of the remote settlements in the lower Wabash. William .Boon was com¬
mander of the company raised for the protection of the settlements in Jack-
34
HISTORY OF JACK'S ON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
son County, or what is now known as Jackson, and adjoining country from
about Mary’s River to Big Muddy, the hostile tribes being in the north and
northeast, and an extensive region of prairie between. History says that
these companies performed most efficient service in protecting the settlements
from the savage and wily foe. The rangers and mounted militia, in time of
danger, constantly scoured the country a considerable distance in advance
of the settlers’ homes; yet, nevertheless, many murders and outrages were
committed in Illinois by the Indians.
On one occasion, a hostile band evaded the scouts that were continually
on the watch to give warning of danger, made their way into the outer edge
of the settlement, and murdered a family named Lively, in what is now
Washington County. Capt. Boon hastily assembled a portion of his com¬
pany, and- with that promptness characteristic of the frontiersman trained
to Indian warfare, set out in pursuit. They relied for their ability to follow
the hated foe mainly upon the almost incredible skill of one |of their com¬
pany, named Deza or Dozan, a French hunter, celebrated for his knowledge
of woodcraft and his keenness as a trailer. The broken twig, the misplaced
stone or pebble of the brook, the dewless grass of the morning, were signs
that to his practical eye told of the path of his enemy. Under his guidance
they proceeded to the house of the unfortunate family, where they of
course struck the trail of the fleeing band. It was determined by Deza
that there were six or seven Indians composing the party. The savages
knowing that they would be pursued, brought into use every stratagem
and wile to deceive their pursuers and throw them off their trail. When
they came to a stream they would walk in the .water siugle file, those in
the rear stepping exactly in the track of the one in the lead. After
pursuing their journey in this way for a time, they would separate, some
going up the stream and some down. All their arts were used in vaiL,
however, to deceive the trained eye of the skillful hunter. He, by observing
the depth of the depression made by the moccasin, was enabled to determine
whether one or more Indians had passed. When he came to where they had
divided, he simply followed the trail of the one that led in the general direc¬
tion the band seemed to be traveling, when it would be found, as he well
knew, that the others would join him
The pursuit continued till, when nearly east of the place where Springfield
now is, they unexpectedly came upon a camp of 150 warriors. The pursuit
was without ceremony converted into a retreat. The little band of rangers,
believing they had been seen, determined to sell their lives as dearly as pos¬
sible. They divided their squad into rear-guard, flank-guards and front,
and rode for life towards the settlements. They endured great sufferings
from hunger, having no provisions. One night they heard the gobble of a
turkey, and Orza endeavored to get a shot at it, but failed. They rode for
three days without a mouthful of food. At length, when on the brink of
utter despair, buzzards were seen wheeling their heavy flight above and
among the tops of the trees. They took courage, and riding in the direc¬
tion indicated, found the pickeil bones of a deer. These they broke open,
and of them made a very palatable soup. But their hasty retreat was un¬
necessary, as the Indians, usually so alert, had failed to see them ; they
were not pursued, and at length, almost fainting from hunger and fatigue,
reached the friendly settlements.
Just here, it may be well for the truth of history and the vindication of
the character ol the pioneer soldiery of Illinois from the imputation of bru¬
tality, to correct the account of an incident of this war, furnished by John
Reynolds in his history of Illinois. His account virtually is, that “ during
the expedition under Gov. Edwards against the Kickapoos and Potawatto-
mies on the Illinois river, Gov. Reynolds relates, that early in the morning
the army took up its line of march for the Indian village. A dense fog pre¬
vailed, and Capt. Judy, with his corps of spies, was in advance. On the
route they came up with a mounted Indian and squaw. The Indian
wanted to surrender, but Capt. Judy, observing that “he did not leave
home to take prisoners,” instantly shot him. With the blood streaming
from his mouth and nostrils, and in his agony ‘ singing his death-song,’
the dying Indian raised his gun, shot and mortally wouuded in the groin a Mr.
right, and in a few minutes expired.” This is tragic enough ; but the recol¬
lection of Gov. Reynolds was not accurate, for the account is not true, and does
grievous wrong to the memory of Capt. Judy, who was a brave man and a good
officer. The first part of the story is correct. An Indian and his squaw,
both mounted, were overtaken in the tall grass, in the gray of the morning.
The Indian and squaw were made prisoners of war, and were placed in line
with soldiers in front and rear. Some of the younger soldiers, recking little
that a battle would soon be opened and. in which they would participate, in
a spirit of mischief, began to play pranks upon their male captive, stepping
upon his heels, and poking him in the back with the ramrods of their rifles.
Now it is to be remembered that, when among Indians, a prisoner is so used,
it is a sign that he is doomed to death. This Indian undoubtedly so inter¬
preted the actions of these men, and determined to make an effort to escape.
He made a sudden spring forward upon the soldier immediately in front,
'wrested the gun from him, fired at his enemies, and ran for life, springing
from side to side to prevent aim being taken by the soldiers. Before he
could gain the timber, a bullet from a rifle pierced his body and he expired.
Such is a true account of this occurrence.
During four years, or from 1811 to 1815, the settlers were oppressed with
a feeling of insecurity. In 1814, there were three block houses in Jackson
County. “ The simplest form of block-house forts,” I borrow the follow¬
ing good description from Davidson and Stuve’s “ History of Illinois,” a
very excellent work, the best yet published,” consisted of a single house
built of logs, compactly laid up a story and a half or two stories high, with
the corners closely trimmed, to prevent scaling. The walls of the lower
story were provided with port holes ; the door was made of thick puncheons,
and was strongly barred on the inside. The upper story projected over the
lower three or four feet, with port holes through the floor of the projecting
part, which commanded the walls against any Iudiau attempts to force an
entrance. They afforded entire security against the rude arts of savage war,
but were only single family forts. A stockade fort consisted of four block¬
houses, as described above or larger, placed one at each corner of a square
piece of ground, of dimensions ample enough to accommodate the number
of people seeking shelter therein. The intervening space was filled up with
timbers, palisaides, or logs firmly set on end, and projecting upwards twelve
or fifteen feet. This was the stockade, into whose sides port-holes were cut,
high enough to be above the head, and to which platforms were raised, from
which to fire upon the enemy. There were also port holes in the projecting
walls of the corner block-houses, which thus commanded the whole of the
stockade walls on the outside. Within the stockade, cabins were built for
the families to live in. Wells were dug for water, or possibly, the site was
selected over a spring. There were usually two heavy entrance gates in the
stockade walls, securely barred on the inside, and large enough to admit
teams. In timesof great peril, horses, and sometimes other valuable domestic
animals, were taken into the stockade over night for safety. If the fort was
not built out ou the prairie the forest was cleared back some distance, so as
to afford no place of concealment to the stealthy enemy. It was often
hazardous to first open the gates of a morning. Milking parties, upon their
errands, were often attacked.”
After the law was passed to which allusion has been made, authorizing
the raising of ten companies, nearly all of the young men and many of the
older joined the service, as rangers. Prior to the close of the war of 1812,
money was almost unknown among the settlers. The pelts of the raccoon
and deer, for which there was always a ready sale, were a sort of standard of
exchange, and in a measure took the place of money. The rangers were
paid off, in the year 1815, in silver rix dollars, and money for a time was
abundant. They would divide the coin, if they needed to make change, as
no denominations smaller than a dollar were in circulation. These frag¬
ments were finally bought up by the government, and thus the country was
rid of them. War is a curse to the world. It brings with it a train of
vices eager to fasten on their victims. Hitherto the inhabitants of our soil
had been temperate and frugal, but now the terrible scourge of intemperance
was felt in the land. Every man had money in his pocket, and whiskey was
to be had for it. Some of the citizens bought it by the keg at Kaskaskia,
and brought it on horses to their homes. It is sad to know that many of the
hitherto, brave, staid, exemplary men of the country became drunkards and
died such.
The land office soon absorbed all the money that had been put in circula¬
tion upon the disbanding of the gallant rangers, and for some years the times
were very stringent.
From 1812 to 1816, a few immigrants arrived and were warmly welcomed.
In 1813, Peter Hagler, now a resident of Du Quoin, Perry county, and his
brother Philip, settled at the Ridge. Old Solomon Snvder, with his numer¬
ous family, was an inhabitant of the county as early ag 1813.
William Eakin, Benjamin Ripley, two of the Pyles, old Mr. Wells, old
Mr. Flash and their large families, settled on Nine-mile prairie.
Taylor McMullens, West Griffeths, Jesse Griggs, and Nogles Davis,
erected a fort at Barkrouf Place, in 1814. This fort was built by order of
Thomas Taylor.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
35
The Indians, before the building of thil protection, had camped south, on
a hill, and on the next day, murdered a family in Phelps’ prairie — possibly
the young bloods. A Mr. Hayes, Mr. Carr, and Mr. Ross, were in the
county at this time.
In 1814, on the first day of January, Jefferson Holliday and family
reached the bank of Big Muddy river, three miles east of the site of Mur-
physboro’. His sons are now citizens of the county, and highly respected.
The native state of Mr. and Mrs. Holliday, was Virginia. They were born
near Richmond. /They were married in 1804. In 1808 they moved to
Nashville, Tenn., where they remained till .181 3, when they decided to come
to Illinois. Mr. Holliday brought his wife and five children on pack horses,
took his rifle in hand, and, with a pack of dogs trained in hunting bear, set
out on his great journey through the wilderness. The war with Great Britain
was in progress, and the Indians were excited and restless, but happily they
reached their future home in safety. With Mr. Holliday were James Hall,
William Gill, William Doty, Benjamin Henderson, George and Edward
Schwartz and David Holliday.
William Gill, who came with Mr. Holliday, was from Halifax county,
Virginia. He settled about four miles from where Murphysboro’ now stands.
His descendants are numerous, and worthy citizens. His son, John Gill, Sr.,
is yet living, full of years, and crowned with that honor which is the reward
of a well-spent life in De Sota. He was born in Halifax county, Virginia,
in 1804. When but two years old, his father, William, moved to the State of
Tenn., and in 1813 started for the territory of Illinois. (Hon. John Gill, at
present, Mayor of Murphysboro’, is son of John Gill, Sr.)
They left the Ohio at the present town of Golconda, and so sparsely was
the county settled, that they only saw two houses between the Ohio and
Big Muddy rivers. John Phelps had settled in what is known as Phelps,
prairie, close to the site of Marion, and John Griffin in what is now called
“E ight Mile Prairie ” While in camp at night, on this prairie, Mr. Gill had
four of his five horses stolen, most probably by Indians. Fortunately he
was within fifteen miles of his destination, which he managed to reach with¬
out any great difficulty. Robin Marshall, at this time, was living near the
present town of De Sota, having for his neighbor, Henry Noble, who has
before been mentioned. The brothers, Thomas and William Taylor, with
their families, were added to the Bluff colony, in 1813 or ’14. They after¬
wards moved to the settlement “ upon Muddy.” Benjamin Henderson was
a resident as early as 1814. During the war, a fort was erected at Barcroft
Place, for fear of Indian depredations.
John Aaron, who is distinguished as the man who taught the first school
within the limits of the county, with his wife — they had no children — lived
north of Green’s Creek. Mr. Aaron was a farmer and also a school-teacher.
In the years 1814 and 1815, he taught a nine months’ term of school on
Sand Ridge. He was a man of correct morals and steady habits, and pos¬
sessed in a marked degree, the esteem and respect of his neighbors. It is per¬
haps not unjust to the Arnold Winklereid of education in this county, to say
of Mr. Aaron’s haental attainments, that, if he were now living, they would
be found insufficient to procure him a certificate of the first grade- Never¬
theless, he is worthy of grateful remembrance by all, but more especially by
those more cultured persons, who, in elegant buildings, provided with costly
furniture and ample philosophical .and illustrative apparatus, now, and shall
hereafter pursue the noble calling of the teacher.
In 1813 there settled at Kaskaskia, a man of far more than ordinary
force of mind named Conrad Will. He had visited this country and bought
a lot of cattle which he drove to Pennsylvania. The exuberance of vegeta¬
tion, the great depth and fertility of the soil, the energetic character of the
inhabitants engaged his attention, and lured him from his eastern home to
the valley of the Mississippi. He moved his family to the then seat of
government, Kaskaskia, in 1813. While at this place he leased from the
government the Big Muddy Saline, near the site of old Brownsville, for a
period of ten years. The next year he journeyed to Pennsylvania, to pur¬
chase the necessary kettles and apparatus for the manufacture of salt.
It was in the year 1815 that this useful, energetic, and jovial man became
a citizen of the county so soon to be organized, and known as Jackson
County. He built a double log house for the reception of his family, which
he moved from Kaskaskia to their future dwelling-place. Conrad Will was
low in stature and stoutly built, weighing near 200 pounds. His was the
profession of a physician. His complexion was fair, and he possessed great
control of countenance. He was fond of playing practical jokes upon his
friends and associates.
Many anecdotes, illustrative of his humorous disposition, are still related
by his friends who survive him. A few only will suffice. When he de¬
sired to impress a truth on the mind of the boys of the neighborhood, he did
it in his own peculiar way. He would say to them : a Boys, you know I
am a doctor. Now, for certain kinds of diseases, the very best medicine is
the gall of a deer. As I am in need of this kind of medicine, I make you
this offer and you may be able to make some money out of it. I will give
you one dollar for every deer-gall you will deliver to me in good condition.
The boys would organize a hunt at once, and soon — as they were plentiful
in those days — bring down a deer, but, of course, their search for a gall was
vain. The boys would never forget the fact that the deer has no such
orgaD. On other occasions he would offer a reward for each eagle’s gizzard
furnished him. After killing the national bird, and making diligent search
the fact would be discovered, never to be forgotten, that the eagle is gizzard¬
less. He held high offices at the hand of his fellow-citizens, and his name
will be found occupying a prominent place in the civil record of the county.
One other anecdote will be given. After the admission of Illinois into the
sisterhood of states in 1818, Mr. Will, member of the legislature from Jack-
son, together with Mr. Umblevany, member from Pope County, and a cer¬
tain Roberts of Jonesboro, traveled on horseback towards Vandalia, at that
time the Capital of the State. Dr. Brooks was not a member of the body, but
usually attended the sessions of the legislature. Roberts was wrell-knowm
along the route, having often been over it. Mr. Will found a dead opossum
in a rather advanced stage of decomposition, and slyly picked it up and
slipped it in his saddle bags, after which he rode on and overtook his com¬
panions. The settlements w'ere uufrequent and Dr. Roberts’ services
were often solicited by the inhabitants who needed medical assistance.
On this occasion, when the next clearing was reached, a woman called Dr.
Roberts to come in and see a sick child. The doctor promptly acceded to
her request, and wrent into the house. As soon as he vanished through the
doorway, Mr. Will changed the defunct opossum to the doctor’s saddlebags,
and then awaited developments. The doctor sent out a boy for his medicine
case, and Umblevany and Will followed him into the house. The expres¬
sion of disgust which overspread the worthy doctor’s countenance, when on
reaching for his medicine he drew forth the decayed marsupial, is said to
have been most intense, and worthy of any delineator of emotion. Leaving
the honorable member from Pope to laugh at the doctor, who at once had
accused Will of playing the joke on him, Will proceeded to the place where
the horses were tied, and raising the saddle of Mr. Umblevany’s horee slightly,
inserted between it and the horse’s back a sharp-edged pebble. Mr. Umble¬
vany was a very pompous gentleman, though not a superior horseman. Soon
the two gentlemen came from the house, and mounted their horses, to con¬
tinue their journey. To Mr. Umblevany’s surprise, his usually quiet nag
seemed possessed of a devil. He reared, and plunged, and curvetted, and
cavorted, in a manner that would have done credit to a Mexican mustang,
while his terrified master frantically clung to his seat. Notwithstanding his
efforts, he was ignominiously unhorsed and rolled in the dust. Mr. Will’s
impassive features betrayed only the greatest concern, but Mr. Umblevany,
suspecting the trick, raised the saddle, as soon as he regained his feet and
steed, and drew forth the cause of the strange conduct of his horse.
After his family had been settled, near the Saline, Mr. Will dug a well,
placed the kettles in furnaces, and began to make salt. It was found im¬
possible to procure hands among the settlers to do the work, so he went to
Kentucky and hired as many negro slaves as were necessary. These, owing
to the laws of the territory, had to be taken to Kentucky every thirty days
and recognized, or the ordinance would declare them free. Prior to this, salt
was brought from the Ohio on pack horses. These works produced one
bushel of salt to one hundred and twenty-five gallons of water. The works
have long been unused, but there is no doubt it would pay well if worked
properly. Conrad Will sleeps at old Brownsville. Perry Wilson says “ he
deserves the title of Father of Jackson County.” His daughter, who is the
relict of Wm. Worthen, has reached a great age, and is in possession of a
very fine portrait of Mr. Will, painted in oil, which was presented to him by
his fellows in the Legislature. The citizens of Jackson County should see to
it that a copy is made of this by some good artist, to be hung up in the new
and elegant court-house.
36
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, \ ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER VII.
TOWNSHIP SURVEYS IN 1806.
ROM the very able article by Judge M. F. Swartzcope, which will
be found under the heading of “ Grand Tower Township,” q. v.,
it will be 9een that the hitherto published accounts of township
surveys are erroneous, so far as dates are concerned. Judge
Swartzcope is a practical surveyor, and for many years served the county as
such. He has had access to the original Field Notes at Springfield, in
charge of the custodian, and speaks ex-cathedra on this subject. These notes
furnish the earliest reliable data to be found in our county’s history. From
these notes it is certain that the portion of Illinois now within the limits of
Jackson County, as well as that comprised within the boundaries of adjacent
counties, was laid off into townships, by William Rector and his subordi¬
nates, in the year 1806. Mr. Rector also had a contract at the same time to
survey a portion of what is now Missouri, but which at that time was sub¬
ject to France. The next year, in 1807, the work of laying off the townships
into sections began. In the performance of this task Mr. Rector had the
assistance of several deputies. In 1808 no work was done, for some reason
not now known ; but in 1 809 the work was continued, and reached comple¬
tion in December of the year 1810. It has been stated in some published
recollections of the county that Elias Barcroft sectionized the townships in
1814. Mr. Barcroft was one of Mr. Rector’s deputies, as the writer of the
recollections states ; but the work was completed four years prior to the
period named by him, as Judge Swartzcope clearly shows.
The families noticed constituted nearly, if not quite, all who inhabited this
county up to the year 1808. It is impossible at this late day, possessing as
we do so little authentic data, but being entirely dependent upon the recollec¬
tions of aged men and women, to determine whether the above list is com¬
plete or not.
The settlements were isolated. There were a few settlers in the vicinity
of the present capital of Union County, Jonesboro’, and at Huggins’ Creek,
who had been there but a short time. There were also a few families living
near Fort Massac, on the Ohio River. In Braseau Bottom, in Miss ouri,
existed at this time a small colony of Americans, which was founded as far
back as 1797. Among these were the widows Ferrick and Hamilton, and
several other large families who were from the State of Maryland. They
were Roman Catholics in faith, and were known by our fathers as a very in¬
dustrious, moral, and religious people. They possessed considerable wealth,
and owned a number of slaves, which they had brought with them from
their native State. Another family called Fenwick lived at the/ upper end
of the bottom. Granny Fenwick, as the old lady was familiarly called, was
the mother of Mrs. Hamilton, who lived at the mouth of Brasaw, or more
properly Braseau, Creek. Another daughter, Mrs. Manning, was located
between. They had opened good farms, and were a friendly people. Dr.
Leo. Fenwick, who was killed in a duel about the first of the century, was a
warm friend of William Boon, and had gratuitously instructed him in the
elements of knowledge, and first awakened in his mind a desire for an edu¬
cation.
In the year 1807 — a year which will ever be memorable in the annals of
time as that in which the Clermont, the first steamboat, made her famous
trip from New York to Albany up the Hudson — Allen Henson and son,
with their families, started for Illinois from Tennessee. Green W. G. Hen¬
son, who had been married but a short time, reached Big Hill in the autumn
of the same year; but Allen, his father, stopped over winter on the way, '
and arrived at Big Hill in the summer or fall of 1808. Green located finally
near the mouth of Big Muddy. Allen chose as his future home the north¬
east quarter of section eighteen, township ten, range three. These men were
first-class farmers, industrious and enterprising. Allen Henson was a man
of fine mental powers, and of upright conduct. He had fought gallantly in
the Indian wars of the Carolinas, and in one of the battles had been toma¬
hawked and scalped, and left for dead by the bloodthirsty, cruel foe- He
was found by his friends, who, discovering that life was not extinct, had him
placed under the care of a surgeon, and carefully nursed and treated. Life
and death for a long time hung in the balance ; but a vigorous constitution
and excellent care finally restored him to health. A portion of the cranial
bone had been removed, and the pulsations of the brain could plainly be
seen. This terrible injury at times affected his mind. At first he would be
flighty, or delirious for only a week or so in a year; but as he advanced In
life the crazy spell increased in frequency and length. At these time* he
was harmless, but was a source of anxiety to his family and friends. He
would go among his acquaintances and sing funny songs, and act in a very
childish and foolish way. There is no kind of doubt but that this queerness
of action was the result of the blow of the Indian’s tomahawk. Green’s
Creek gets its name from Green Henson, who settled on it when he first
came to Big Hill.
Mr. Benjamin Patter located at the Bluffs in the latter part of 1807.
The next year brought more immigrants, with strong arms and fearless
hearts, to aid in the reclamation of the inhospitable wilderness. James Davis
and Joseph French located near Muddy River, where the Capital, Murphys-
boro’, now stands. John Byars and his large family, about the same time,
selected a home south of the same river. Nathan Davis, a prominent and
public-spirited citizen, who was afterward a member of the first county court,
and his brother Clement, also, at this time, joined their fortunes with that of
the other settlers on Muddy River, as did, also, Hezekiah Davis, a black¬
smith, who is spoken of as a man who was master of his trade. John Robin¬
son settled on Beaucoup Creek, and about this time was married to a daugh¬
ter of Joseph French. James Worthen, Sr., many of whose descendants
now live in the county, settled on Big Muddy in 1809, a year rendered his¬
torical as being the one in which the Territory of Illinois was organized.
Hitherto for some years the country of Illinois had formed a part of Indiana
Territory. This year also came Charles and Frank Garners, Samuel Davis,
John Phelps, Hugh McMillan, John Bittle Braxton and Thomas Parrish.
These men were all skilled in woodcraft, and some were famed as Indian
fighters. “ All the lore of the woods they knew ” Another welcome addi¬
tion was made to their numbers by the arrival of Col. Geo. Creath and his
family. He came with a portion of his family by boat and landed at Sheep
Island. The rest of the family had been sent with the horses across by land
from Shawneetown. The whole country was then a dense wilderness desti¬
tute of a single cabin.
Some other settlers are yet to mention, who during the year 1809 came to
this county in search of a home. Robert Glenn, with his family, established
themselves at. the foot of the bluffs on the Muddy. He had two grown sons,
by a former marriage, Ewing, who had married before his arrival, and Isaac.
The latter was soon after being captivated by the maidenly charms of Miss
Byars, a daughter of John Byars, proposed and was accepted. They were
married and lived happily near the bluff, and had born to them several
children. His wife died, when, we are unable to say, and Isaac was again
married, and more children were granted him. In 1814, old Mrs. Glenn
died of a disease, very deadly in its nature, then known as the “ Cold Plague.”
Old Mr. Glenn died in 1826, at the age of 80 years. Mrs. Boon, Mrs.
Creath, Polly Taylor, and Mrs. Gill, all died with disease.
Ewing lived for awhile in the “ Bluff settlement,” as it was called, but in
1817 moved out of the country. Robin Glenn had four children by his
second wife, James being the youngest. He was born in 1807, probably,
and died in 1813. There seems for some reason to have been no immigra¬
tion, or very little, during the year 1810, but in the year 1811 there came to
settle on Green’s Creek, at Big Hill, Alexander Gaston and his son, also
named Alexander. The old man brought slaves with him, and sold some of
these to William Boon. In 1815 or 1816 Mr. Gaston’s house caught fire,
and he perished in the flames of his own dwelling. In 1810 there
settled on section 6, in Big Hill township, a man named Flemmings. The
same year also came Jacob Thompson, who married a daughter of Jacob
Lonzadder. He opened the farm now owned by the heirs of Aaron Easterly.
James Roberts, Sr., became, in 1812, a resident of the bottom, near to the
farm of Zephna Brooks. His family was large, and Mr. Brooks, probably
thinking it hard fate for one man to have so many depending on him,
married his daughter Pollie. Adolphus Brooks, actuated by similar motives,
offered his hand to Nancy, and was married to her.
Down the river settled a man and family named Peter Gollaher. Then,
too, came Mr. Stephen Jones, from Tennessee, to form the settlement “ upon
Muddy,” locating on Sand Ridge. Thomas Whitson, a native of North
Carolina, came with the former. He went to Missouri, but in 1813, returned
to Illinois territory, and settling his family at the upper end of Big Hill,
joined the rangers under Captain Boon.
Then, also, in 1812, arrived James Hall, Jr.
In the year 1811, an event took place, which is worthy of more than pass¬
ing notice, one which attracted the attention of every lone dweller in the
wilderness, no less than that of the populous city. Commerce, throughout
the period of which we have been speaking, was in a state of helpless infancy. 1
All foreign products used by inhabitants of Jackson — and we shall hereafter
see that they were few — were brought to Illinois from New Orleans, in what
Vie w from thf TOWER-ROCK, of the C/rr of GRAND TOWER*. Jackson Counts Illinois.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
87
were called keel-boats, pushed at great labor with long poles, and towed^ at
points with long ropes, a process called “ cordelling ” against the strong cur¬
rent of the mystic Mississippi, by the hardy boatmen, or brought over the
Allegheny mountains by wagon, to Wheeling or Pittsburg, thence floated
down the Ohio to convenient points, in flat-boats, thence to be taken in
wagons to their final destination. But a great revelation was at hand. The
expansive [power of steam had been utilized for the service of man, and by
Robert Fulton, successfully applied to the propulsion of vesels. A new era
had been inaugurated. The settler who had, by unremitting toil, cleared out
his farm, hereafter was to have a market for his produce. As has been
noticed before, it was in 1807 that Robert Fulton, amidst the jeers and low
jests of enemies, and polite silence of friends, carried out his grand idea to
a glorious consummation. But it was destined to be several years before steam¬
boats were to be launched #upon the broad bosoms of our western rivers.
The first steam -boat to float upon the Ohio, was the “ New Orleans,” launched at
Pittsburg in the summer of 1811. It is related that u The novel appearance
of the vessel, and the fearful rapidity with which the passage was made over
the broad reaches of the river, excited a mixture of terror and surprise
among many of the settlers on the banks, wThom the rumor of such an in¬
vention had never reached ; and it is related that on the unexpected arrival
of the boat before Louisville, in the course of a fine, still, moonlight night,
the extraordinary sound which filled the air as the pent-up steam was allowed
to escape from the valves, on rounding to, produced a general alarm, and
multitudes in the town rose from their beds to ascertain the cause. The
general impression among the good Kentuckians was, that the comet (of 1811,
visible at the time, with its immense fiery tail, and by the superstitious be¬
lieved to be the harbinger of war, and all' sorts of dire evils) had fallen into
the Ohio.
“She walked the waters like a thing of life,
And seemed to dare the elements of strife.”
At Louisville, owing to the small depth of water on the falls, the boat was
detained three weeks, during which time several trips were made by her,
between that place and Cincinnati. The waters finally rose, and the trip to
New Orleans was resumed. On reaching the lower Mississippi, the boat was
nearly overwhelmed by the earthquakes, which rocked the waters of the
great river to and fro, and which continued several days, commencing on the
morning of the 16th of December, 1811. They were severest in the vicinity
of New Madrid, where, on the Tennessee side, a few miles back of the river,
the earth sank in many places 50 and 60 feet, carrying with it, great trees,
left standing erect, producing what is known as the “ Reel-foot Lake. ’
(. Rambles in North America). Old settlers in Jackson, have a very vivid
recollection of the great earthquakes. Mr. Benningsen Boon says, that
though only four years old, he remembers them distinctly. William Boon
had, some time before, together with Zepnah Brooks, and Peter, his black-
man, built a flat-boat on the Big Muddy, below the mouth of Kinkaid, and
loaded it with produce for New Orleans. The three persons above named,
were on the boat floating down the river, but a short distance above New
Madrid, when they occurred. Peter never got tired describing the terrible
effects of them, and his own terrible fright.
CHAPTER VIII.
GEOGRAPHY.
NUMBER OF SQUARE MILES — NUMBER OF ACRES — DRAINAGE — SOIL — TIMBER.
SACKSON County lies in about latitude 37 degrees and 45 minutes
north, and in longitude we3t from Greenwich, England, about
89 degrees and 30 minutes. It is 24 miles from north to south,
_____ and 30 miles from east to west. It touches on the Mississippi
for over 30 miles, being about 60 miles from its junction with the Ohio river,
at Cairo. Its distance from the chain of the great lakes at Chicago is not
far from 300 miles. The distance from St. Louis, Missouri, is less than
100 miles, and from Cincinnati it is nearly 350 miles. It is just on the
northern border of the great cotton-field of the world, and in some seasons,
when the spring is not wet and the late summer not dry, its soil is capable
of raising fair crops of that staple. Nothing but lack of skill and applica¬
tion of proper manures hinders it from producing profitable crops of excellent
tobacco. But its fertile acres are best adapted to the raising of wheat,
maize, clover, grasses and the various small fruits. It has not the deep
vegetable molds of the great prairies of the middle of the State, but careful
rotation of crops and manuring, readily cause most of its acres to yield
bountiful harvests. The bottoms are among the richest in the West, and
only need drainage and a very slight system of levees to make them the
most productive in the State. And they lie in such situation to the adjacent
hills or bluffs as to invite these levees and favor this drainage. They are,
indeed, heavily timbered and cumbered with undergrowth ; but energy and
industry have overcome too many more formidable obstacles to make these
seem even worth mentioning.
The number of square miles within its limits is not far from 5S0, and its
acres are about 370,000 ; but at present fully one-half these are not only un¬
productive, but useless. Parts are rocky and steep, and will never become
available for cultivation, though this portion is comparatively small. Other
parts are too often covered with water, but these are really capable of the
most efficient culture under a system which should prevent overflows. At
present large, shallow lakes afford only feeding-ground for immense flocks
of ducks, geese and other aquatic birds of passage.
The soil on the hill-tops and sides is loam strongly mixed with clay,
though occasionally sand is found. It is soon exhausted however by unskil¬
ful tillage ; but with scientific care as to manuring and change of crops,
scarcely any section of the country is better adapted to farming, or yields
to the owner larger profits. Clover seems almost a native growth, and both
the white, for pasturage, and the red, for hay, thrive wonderfully, and serve
at the same time to enrich the soil and prepare for corn or wheat. No better
crops of wheat are grown anywhere than on the soil of our county.
There has been a difficulty experienced in stock raising by reason of a
want of water during the months of August and September. This might be
easily removed by making reservoirs in the ravines and near the bottoms.
Every forty acres almost in the whole county affords a place where such a
reservoir of half an acre or hn acre might be formed in a couple of days, by
a man with a pair of horses, and it would not be dry during the whole year.
In a soil which dissolves so readily under moisture, great care would be
needed to arrange properly for overflows ; but when this was done, and the
dam or embankment had been set in blue-grass, no great attention would be
required to keep a supply of good water ; and fish could be bred, not only to
supply food, but to be a luxury. It would, however, be necessary to make
these reservoirs not less than twelve feet deep in order to have pure water,
and to see to it that they shall not fill with the earth brought down with the
rain-water from the hills. They would aid materially in making dews at
night which might greatly benefit vegetation.
Another great drawback to Jackson County is the want of good roads.
The people seem to have given themselves up to the belief that in a country
so hilly in parts, and with such low bottoms in others, excellent roads are
impossible, unless they are Macadamized. Hence very little is done to make
the roads permanent or hard and smooth. But if observations are made by
any one, he will find that wherever the falling water is turned off the road,
and ruts are not allowed to grow deep, our roads are good. Such a fact in¬
dicates that all we need in order to secure fine facilities for travel, is to
guard against the water standing on our roads. A raised bed not above a
foot high, well rounded in the middle, and so watched weekly, and worked
as never to be allowed to make ruts will not cost, to put it at the highest,
mofe than is now annually spent on our roadways, and will afford ample
facilities for social travel and marketing. Let this be done and our farm in¬
terests — the really important ones to a nation or a community will thrive
in a degree equal to any part of the state. Our industry can be so varied,
that a failure of crops can never happen in every case, and when crops shall
fail, our fine timber, our quarries, and our mines, will afford an ample occa¬
sion for labor and most abundant remuneration for energetic industry. In
these directions the county offers great inducements to the employment of
capital and labor.
Nowhere is better coal for mechanical purposes, for making coke and gas.
An analysis of the coal from the mines of the Carbondale Coal and Coke
Company, show it to be especially rich in carbon and free from the impuri¬
ties of sulphuret of iron. It may therefore be regarded as among the best
coals of the whole country, and as it lies near the surface and is not in a
situation to be deluged with water, it can be raised with the greatest economy.
This coal is in great demand in St. Louis, and in places where manufactur¬
ing is largely carried on. The Grand Tower Mining, and Transportation
Company has mines of excellent coal at Mt. Carbon, and furnaces at Grand
38
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, \ ILLINOIS.
/
Tower. • This company has large interests in the county, and by its rail¬
road and mines, and manufacturing has acomplished much to make availa¬
ble our industrial advantages By its enterprise a tri-weekly steamboat runs
fron^ St. Louis to Grand Tower. Other mines of coal are worked by vari¬
ous companies, Gartside and other names.
Four railroads traverse the county, and render communication with the
world easy and cheap. The Illinois Central, built in 1852, runs the entire
length from the line of Perry on the North, to Union on the South, and is
very valuable to the fruit growers and raisers of early vegetables. On the
cars of this road are often shipped many tons of strawberries and other small
fruits, and in their season, grapes, peaches and apples in immense quantities.
From Makanda as much as forty tons of fruit have been carried in a day.
The railroad to Marion, on the east from Carbondale, runs for only a short
distance in this county, but it brings large freights of cotton, tobacco, and
dried fruits- The railroad from Carbondale to Grand Tower traverses the
centre from east to west, and is largely devoted to coal transportation. The
St. Louis and Cairo Railroad, commonly called “The Narrow Gauge, ”
runs the whole length of the county, from north to south — more nearly along
the middle, but in a tract less developed. It has many coal mines upon
it, and may aid more than any other in developing a most excellent portion
of the county. Along these roads villages are growing and industries are
springing up, which in no distant day will cause the county to be one of the
most populous and wealthy in this part of the State. The four on the Cen¬
tral (Elkville, De Sota, Carbondale, and Makanda) are fast improving, and
only need good roads connecting them with the surrounding country to secure
to each a largely increased trade. On the Narrow Gauge, Ava, Gale, Mur-
physboro’, Eltham and Pomona, will become centres of trade in due time.
Murphysboro’, in fact, is already a great centre of coal operations, and boasts
an enterprising array of merchants, lawyers, and other business men. There
are other villages and hamlets, not on railways, which are pleasant, and
many a prairie or settlement contains a virtuous, intelligent and enterprising
population.
Agricultural pursuits are in fact the leading employments of the people,
and the rich returns which they bring to those who engage in them, promise
to attract strangers and reward all who devote labor to them. And the
staples produced are so various as to warrant the assertion that no year or
season can occur in which the prudent husbandman will be completely disap¬
pointed in his hopes. Every desirable fruit, every useful grain, every nutri¬
tive grass, is found here growing to perfection, and a season favorable to all
is not infrequent, while a failure of all is regarded as an improbability - so
near to an impossibility as hardly to be thought of.
The beautiful and durable brown sand-stone, of which are made the base¬
ment and trimmings of the Southern Illinois Normal University, is found
abundantly in the south part of the county, in close proximity to the Illinois
Central Railroad, and lies in such a situation as to be easily quarried and
transported. It has a rich tint of color, often varying in shade, but always
of marvelous beauty. The celebrated brown stone of Portland, Connecticut,
has not more warmth of tone and gives no better architectural effects. There
is also an abundance of limestone, some of a light gray color and some
creamy, suitable for building or trimmings, and easily worked. The manu¬
facture of quick-lime might be made a branch of business profitable to en¬
terprise.
As to timber, there is none better, whether oak, or hickory, or ash, or pop¬
lar, or walnut, for agricultural implements or machinery, or for common car-
pentery and joiner and cabinet work, or for ornamental purposes. No finer
effect can be produced than by the use of our oaks, and ash, and hickory,
and walnut, for the interior finish of houses and rooms. These should, how¬
ever, be used without the smirch of paint, with oil and polish : then age will
give to these woods a tone and richness equal to mahogany. It is surprising
that our carpenters and artizans make so small account of them, and are so
willing that a painter, at a large cost, shall smear their workmanship with
the unwholesomeness of lead and varnishes. It is promotive of health to
live in wooden walls undisguised with any thing from which effluvia can
arise. A very little more labor in smoothing and polishing these native
woods, and far less cost of paint, would decidedly promote the beauty of our
houses and living rooms, and increase the chances for good healthy constitu¬
tions among our children. And where every useful and pleasant tree grows
as rapidly as in Southern Illinois, no one ought to be without a beautiful
home, surrounded with a paradise of fruits and shade, suitable both for use
and delight, for ornament and profit.
The waters of the county are nearly all carried into the Mississippi by the
Big Muddy River, a stream very crooked and sluggish. It enters the county
from the east, a little north of the middle, and makes a course nearly west
almost to the western border, when it turns towards the south and goes into
the Mississippi at the extreme south-west corner. This irregular stream
winds and curves about over bottom-lands, averaging nearly two miles in
width, only a part of which, however, annually overflows : and all of which
ia in a high degree fertile, and could be made valuable forming land. This
stream receives from the north Little Muddy, Beaucoup and Kinkaid Creeks
with their several tributaries ; and from the south, Crab Orchard, Little Crab
Orchard, and Cedar Creeks, with their affluents. All of these are very wind¬
ing, and have bottom land mostly covered with timber, and subject to fre¬
quent overflows. These bottoms, with scarcely an attempt at well planned
and worked roads, with comparatively few good bridges, and with these deep,
miry soils are a perplexing hindrance to travel, both social and commercial.
And yet, as has been already said, a cost, not much above the annual
breakage of wagons and the extra wear of teams, wo uld make the roads pas¬
sable and allow of the carriage of double the loads now moved on these by¬
ways where roads ought to be.
And another reason pleads for better roads and a better knowledge of
Jackson County. The numerous natural curiosities inlmany parts of it are
romantic, interesting to a mere sight-seer, and highly instructive to the man of
science. In the north-west, a little out of the county, and probably partly
in it, there is a range of bluffs, sand-stone and lime-rock, curiously water-
worn, presenting picturesque forms worthy of careful study, as well as
strangely delightful to behold. On parts of the rocks are characters and
symbols cut with rude tools. The cross is among them, and forms of birds
and animals. Researches would undoubtedly discover much information
from this source, either concerning the aboriginal inhabitants and their his¬
tory, or the French pioneers and traders, or the Jesuit missionaries, who ex¬
plored this region in the early part of the seventeenth century, and possibly
in the last part of the sixteenth, and left traces of their influence. The whole
range of hills north of the lakes and west of Big Muddy, in Degoguia, Kin¬
kaid, and Sand Ridge Townships, is full of matter for investigation, and it is
confidently hoped that the Southern Illinois Academy of Sciences will make
it a duty to study this promising locality.
The lakes themselves, connected as they are with the mighty Mississippi
on the one side, and the crooked Muddy on the other, and between this range
of bluffs on the north, and the Fountain Bluff' and Devil’s Backbone on the
south, afford another subject of geological investigation. They are also of
great interest to the sportsman, being in winter the feeding grounds of mil¬
lions of ducks, geese, swans and other game fowl. The strange formations
just alluded to, and the Grand Tower in the Mississippi River, are as full of
interest as anything in the State, and would well repay a large amount of
study. As curious geological revelations, as simple wonders of nature, they
mark Jackson County as full of more than common interest.
Further south and east of the Big Muddy, extending indeed across the
county eastward, is a region of hills and cliffs which is full of surprises, 'of
curious and instructive formations. Near Eltham station, on the St. Louis
and Cairo Rail Road, is a natural bridge, formed undoubtedly by the dis¬
solving power of the water. It appears to be an immense sandstone slab,
left when the softer materials were carried away from beneath it. It is ninety
feet long and nine feet wide, so that a carriage can pass over it. The height
is thirty feet. It is in a wild forest, difficult to find, but romantic and pro¬
vocative of research and suggestive of adventures. It might easily be made
a place of popular resort for pleasure-parties for the whole country round.
In the Township of Makanda, near that village, are several objects of great
interest. On the west are Stone Fort and Devil’s Lake, and many other
points, while on the east are Pomona’s Temple and Giant City, all well worth
a visit and deserving a full and careful study. They are in the primitive
forest, and are reached with difficulty, and hence are rarely visited and of
course have been little known. Our county, in possessing these, has incen¬
tives to study, and for pleasure-seeking, far beyond the most of the counties
of the State, and deserves to be further explored and advertised. Many of
these bluffs are also honey-combed with caves filled with beautiful stalactites,
and they invite investigation.
There are mines of lead in the southern part of the county, which, although
rich in ore, are yet so difficult of access as to be excelled by other localities ;
so much so that it will probably be years before this ore or the silver in it
will pay for working. We may therefore say, taking our county all in all,
its rich bottom lands and lakes, its picturesque hills and grand bluffs, its
fertile and far-looking ridges, its caves and mines, its waters and curiosities,
'HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
39
that nothing finer is to be found in the State. Its citizens should be proud
of it, and their public spirit should be aroused to call attention to its advan¬
tages, and to develop its resources. Patriotism should glory in its history,
love of nature should be proud of its varied and romantic scenery, industry
may grow rich by the proper use of its resources, and domestic comfort, and
even luxury, may find ample opportunities to gratify every reasonable desire.
Its intelligent and enterprising people may advance in wealth, in knowledge,
in refinement, and in all the arts and blessings of life. No spot is more
favored, and none_is more full of promises of future growth and influence.
A bountiful Providence has abundantly blessed it. The people can add cul¬
ture and peace.
For transporting their coal to the river their facilities are ample, as they
own 260 coal cars. They also U3e, in delivering coal to the steamers, flat-
barges, of which they own eight.
The steamers load on their up trip. They take the loaded barges along¬
side, and unload on the way up stream. The company send a man along,
who, when the barges are emptied and cast loose, pilots them to the com¬
pany’s wharf. The company own also a tug-boat, which supplies coal to
river towns, as ordered.
The vein varies in thickness from 5 to 7 feet, and it is needless to say is of
excellent quality.
They supply the Carbondale furnaces with all the coal used in their great
smelting furnaces, and have supplied them since 1868.
This company began its mining operations in Jackson county iu 1866.
CHAPTER IX.
MINERAL PRODUCTS OF JACKSON COUNTY.
HE most important of these is the coal, which ages ago was stored
up for the use and comfort of the coming millions of civilized
men. Stored up, too, in inexhaustible quantities by a bountiful
Providence. Under the greater portion of the county lie great
veins of this mineral, capable of supplying the markets of the State of Illi¬
nois for a long term of years.
The history of the mining of the dusky diamonds begins almost with that
of the settlement of the county. In the chapter on “Customs, Habits, and
Modes of Living amongst the Early Settlers,” the statement is made that
copperas for dyeing cloth was used by the women. There were no shafts
running down at that time into the bowels of the earth, but they procured
coal by “ drifting” into a hill. Coal was mined as early as 1812, but it was
not until the year 1822 that work was systematically begun. In this year
the “Jackson County Coal Company” begau operations. A drift was
opened on the south side of Muddy, near Murphysboro’, which is even now
worked. The products of their mine found a market far to the south, in the
city of New Orleans, whither they were sent, via Muddy and Mississippi, by
flat-boat. This company continued to operate in coal until 1864, when it
was swallowed up by the Grand Tower Mining, Manufacturing, and Trans¬
portation Company. This company shipped coal in barges, at first, to Grand
Tower, where it was used chiefly to feed the fires that roared up the great
chimneys of their iron works. After the completion of the Grand Tower and
Carbondale Railroad by this same company, as far as Mt. Carbon, the facilities
for transportation were greatly increased, and the mining interest speedily
grew to be one of the great industries of the county, employing a large
capital and a great number of men. The coal produced from the mines of
this county is of a very superior quality, and is without rival west of Penn¬
sylvania.
The history of .the G. T. M. M. & T. Company, the wealthiest corporation
existing or that has ever existed in our county, is of sufficient importance to
warrant extended notice. For the necessary facts for its compilation we are
indebted greatly to its gentlemanly and efficient superintendent, Mr. Thomas
M. Williamson, of Grand Tower, who has in our search for materials for this
article extended us every aid and courtesy, as have also the other officials
and employees.
GRAND TOWER MINING, MANUFACTURING, AND TRANSPORTATION
COMPANY.
A more complete sketch of this great corporation, which has invested more
capital in our limits, and done more to develop the great resources of our
county than any that ever has operated here, will be found at the proper
place. It seems fit here to speak only of their operations in coal. This
company owns three shafts, and one drift mine or tunnel. They possess
6,000 acres of coal lands, most of which has not yet been worked or opened.
These shafts are all contiguous to their railroad line, and are on the south
side of Muddy, near Murphysboro’. Their first shaft was sunk in 1867, the
next in 1868, the next in 1869, and the tunnel in 1872. The company have
now in their employ 700 men, the greater part of whom are miners.
The greatest amount of coal hoisted in any one day was 1,460 tons.
They now pay 75 cents per ton to their colliers; the highest price ever
paid was $1.10.
This company supply the steam-boats that ply on the Mississippi with fuel.
GARTSIDE COAL COMPANY.
This company is one that has operated very extensively in Jackson County
coal. It was organized May 1st, 1872, by Joseph Gartside, now deceased,
who was one of the heaviest dealers in coal that have ever operated in the
Mississippi Valley. His residence was in St- Louis, but his mining opera¬
tions were chiefly confined to Illinois- In St- Clair county he had a num¬
ber of mines, notably the Alma mines, and those at O’Fallon, on the Ohio
and Mississippi Railroad. He was iu every sense of the word a self-made
man, and the name of “ Joe Gartside” became, where he was known and ap¬
preciated, synonymous for pluck and energy. He did much in his time for
the development of the coal interests of our county, and merits a better
notice than he has yet received. The amount of capital invested by Mr.
Gartside in his operations in coal in Jackson County is stated to have been
$720,000. He sunk four shafts, known as No. 1, 2, 4, and 5. It had been
intended to have 5 shafts, but No. 3 was never opened. At one time,
before the depression of the iron interest which followed the panic of 1873,
and which has not even yet entirely ceased, this company employed 400
men. The highest price paid per ton for mining was $1.10. The products
of the 4 shafts found their principal market at South St. Louis, whither the
coal went, to feed the great iron and blast furnaces for which that place is
celebrated. Local sales were made, however, along the road from Cairo to
St. Louis, and these were, by no means, inconsiderable. The largest pro¬
duct for any one year from their mines in this county, which, it may be well
to state, are all near Murphysboro’, was 60,000 tons. The coal was sent to
market altogether by rail. The principal vein, and the only one worked, is
7 feet in thickness, and, it is hardly necessary to state a fact well known to
all, is of superior quality, commanding the highest price in the market. Al¬
though the impression seems very generally to obtain that mining is a
hazardous business, statistics contradict the notion. At the time of this
writing more than five years have elapsed since the Gartside Company
begun work in this county, a large number of men has been almost con¬
stantly employed in digging the “ dusky diamonds underneath the ground,”
yet the records show that only one man has been killed, while none have
been permanently disabled.
The accidents that have occurred average but two per month, and these
are mostly of a trivial character resulting from carelessness and inattention
of the miners themselves. The reason -why so apparently perilous a busi¬
ness is really devoid of serious dangers, is owing doubtless to two sufficient
reasons. In the first place every safe-guard that the law requires is strictly
observed, and in addition every other that experience and ingenuity can
suggest In the second place, the miners form a class of people wedded to
their occupation, and in many cases are distinct from other people. The son
in a large majority of cases is apprenticed to the business under the watchful
care and attentive eye of his father, who is prompt to advise, and quick to
impart his experience for the benefit of his son. The consequence is that few
are to be found in mines who, from lack of experience or proper training
invite danger and death. The little child of the collier, has heard many
times, while seated at his father’s table or around the family hearthstone, of
the accidents to which the miner is peculiarly liable, and of the means of
preventing them; before his eyes have ever looked upon the shadowy world,
where strong men tear in the dark at the earth’s heart core, and where he
too one day will follow the occupation of his ancestors. He is half a miner
before his feeble arms can wield the pick. Miners work together in pairs.
An average day’s work is three tons.
David B. Thomas and his son, aged eighteen, are credited with having
performed the most profitable month’s work ever done for this company by
40
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS'.
a miner and his partner, and for this they received $195. The total length
of railroad in mines of this company is five miles, and the number of acres
of coal taken out reaches thirty. The daily product, when a full set of
hands is employed, is 600 tons. Shaft No. 1, was sunk by W. C. Tippett,
while No. 4 was dug by his son William.
The first hole sunk at No. 1, had to be abandoned, on account of quick¬
sand which was encountered, and entailing a loss on the company of $2000.
No. 2, was sunk by Robert Scott.
The heirs of Joseph Gartside compose the company at present. They are
Charles E. Gartside, Joseph Gartside, Jr., Mrs. Gartside, relict of Joseph,
Sr., and her three daughters, resident at St. Louis.
The company as soon as the market revives sufficiently to justify it, will
again employ men by the hundred. For several years the miners of this
country have been less prosperous than is usual for men of such splendid
physique, and industrious habits. In some cases there has been suffering
followed by violence. Through all these trying times, the miners of this
county as a class have been found upon the side of order and of law.
LEWIS COAL COMPANY.
This corporation dates from July 1st, 1872. The officers are as follows :
W. J. Lewis, President and Treasurer: P. Harvey, Secretary, and John
Yoch Superintendent. A large capital is employed. There is but one shaft.
This company employ about 100 men. The highest price paid per ton for
mining was $1.10. The principal part of their coal reaches its market in
South St. Louis, but they supply a local demand from St. Louis as far south
as Cairo. Their vein is a little less than six feet in thickness, and is like all
of our coal, of most excellent quality, and hence is in good demand. One
man has lost his life, and one has been maimed for the rest of his days.
Only six men have been injured since the organization of the company,
which is evidence of the humane care of the company for the lives of its
employees.
Robert Morris and Hen. Forsythe, have accomplished the largest month’s
work of any two men that have been in the service of this company. They
were paid for this as the books of the company show $220, but pay was
better then than at present. The railroad which conveyed coal from the
mining sections to the shaft, to be hoisted to the outer world is two miles in
aggregate length. The average daily production is 200 tons. The shaft was
sunk under the supervision of Joseph Short, a man of experience and
energy. Mr. James Jeffrey, an engineer, has been in the continuous employ
of the company since fire was first lighted under the boilers. The vein of
slate superimposed upon the vein of coal, is ten inches in thickness. This
company is prosperous and enterprising, and find ready sale at paying prices
for all the coal they can send to market. They ship over the Cairo and St.
Louis railroad, better known as the Narrow Gauge.
CARBON HILL MINES.
These mines are located about one mile south-east of Carbondale, and are
the property of Col. D. H. Brush. The coal lands are a portion of those
entered by the first coal operator in the county, Mr. Holden, who prospected
for the valuable mineral as early as 1856 or ’7. This mine is pronounced by
the Inspector of Mining, one of the best arranged of any in southern Illi¬
nois. The depth of the shaft is but fourty-five feet, yet the coal is taken out
at a hundred feet below the surface. The manager of the mine, Mr. Sam.
T. Brush, has, at considerable expense, had dug a tunnel for the purpose of
draining the mine, and this was highly successful, hence the dryness of this
mine as compared with others which cannot be so drained.
The vein of coal, which is of good quality, is four feet in thickness. This
coal is much used in Carbondale, by the mills and citizens generally. The
daily product reaches sometimes 1,000 bushels per day, though 500 is nearer
the average. The hoisting apparatus is driven by horse-power, although
arranged for steam, which will be applied as soon as the revival of the coal
interest will justify it. That day will soon come. Then will the inexhausti-
able mines of our great county, teem with human forms engaged in digging
the “ dusky diamonds.”
The coal product of this county has been large in the past, but it is des¬
tined to be larger in the near future. Her coal commands the highest price
in the markets of any west of Pittsburg, and will always be in demand. Her
facilities for cheap transportation to market are unsurpassed, and she can
supply all calls that may be made upon her.
There are quite a number of shafts in different parts of the county, but
the above, are all that merit especial mention, with perhaps an- excellent
mine that is situated about one mile to the north-east of De Sota, and which
supplies that town with coal.
In European countries already, are the political economists, estimating the
number of years that will elapse before their supply of fuel will be exhausted.
Ages and aeons of ages must elapse, before such calculations regarding our
supply, will be indulged in.
Missouri has the iron, but we possess the coal, and her iron must needs
travel to our furnaces.
THE MORE VALUABLE KINDS OF STONE.
Jackson County has the distinction, of which its citizens may be proud, of
furnishing the finest’quality of stone for building and ornamental purposes to
be found in the great Mississippi valley. This may seem to be a strong
assertion, but it is capable of substantiation. Thesouthern part of the county
affords a brown or reddish-brown sandstone, similar in appearance, but far
superior in quality, to the famous Connecticut or New York sandstone. This
stone is coming more and more into demand as its virtues become known.
The Custom House at Evansville, Indiana, is built entirely of this. It has
been extensively used in Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis. The extensive
quarries, two in number, are situated on the line of the Illinois Central rail¬
road, about four miles south of Carbondale.
A white sandstone, equal to this in fineness of grain and quality, is found
in inexhaustible quantities, at what is known as Big Hill, near Grand Tower,
in the western part of the county, in close proximity to the Grand Tower and
Carbondale railroad. Both of the varieties of sandstone have been freely
used in the noble building of the Southern Illinois Normal University aud
on the magnificent new State House at Springfield. The entire trimmings of
the north, south and east fronts of the Capital, are of Jackson County sand¬
stone. The stately Doric columns of that most noble pile are of red, and the
Corinthian, or to speak more accurately, the Composite capitals, are carved
from the white variety, as are also the bases, and the elegant cornice over
the arched entrance. The spandrels are composed of the red, except the
centre, which is white, and the blending of the two colors is most harmoni¬
ous, and its effect very fine.
Further, the mighty eagle which forms the keystone of the grand arch
over the main doorway, and seems to watch jealously over the liberties of the
people of this mighty Commonwealth, is elaborately carved out of the red
sandstone of this county.
The ornamental carvings of windows and doorways of the State Normal at
Carbondale, are all of these two varieties of stone. But why say more ?
Enough has been said to prove the truth of the assertion that the best sand¬
stone in the great valley, is found in this county. Not many years will pass,
ere these quarries will “teem with human forms,” aud no elegant private
mansion, or splendid public building, will be considered complete without its
elaborate ornamental carvings and relief-work are composed of Jackson
county sandstone.
But our county not alone boasts herself upon her sandstone. About four
miles from Grand Tower on the Big Muddy river, are found extensive quar¬
ries of marble, of fine quality, and susceptible of receiving a high polish.
1 his also, is destined to be widely used. In many portions of the county,
notably in the western part, is found limestone of excellent quality, for
building purposes, and in quantities sufficient to supply the needs of the
entire State.
CIIAPTER X.
AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES.
L principal industry of our people is agriculture. Ffom the as¬
sessor s valuation tables for 1877, we find that the number of acres
of wheat is 43,123. Estimating the average yield at 16 bushels
per acre, which is rather under than over, we find that the num¬
ber of bushels of wheat produced in Jackson County is 689,969.
lhe acreage of corn is given as 31,269, and the average yield is near 35
bushels. Whence it will be seen that the number of bushels of corn pro
duced by Jackson County is 1,094,415.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
41
The oat acreage is 4571. Estimating the average yield at 30 bushels, it
appears that Jackson County produces annually about 138,000 bushels of
oats. The number of acres of meadow land is reported as 6486. Let us as¬
sume that the average yield of hay in tons per acre is 2, and we have abgut
130,000 as the hay product of the county.
The value of the wheat crop is about . $700,000
Of the corn crop about . 440,000
Of the oat crop about . , . . . 60,000
And of the hay crop . 130,000
Making the total value of these four crops . $1,330,000
The number of acres in orchard is 3,524, and in enclosed pasture 8,883,
and of enclosed woodland 171,467. No figures are accessible to enable us to
give an estimate of the value of the fruit crop, which is very great, especially
in the southern part of the county ; nor of the potato yield, which is not very
valuable perhaps.
The total value of all agricultural products, including stock raising, is
certainly in excess of $300,000 ; and is most likely nearer $400,000 than
$300,000.
This great industry employs a majority of the people of the county who
possess all of the sterling virtues of the rural free-holder. Directly upon the
broad shoulders of the cultivator of the soil rests the prosperity of every
other class of men. He is the autocrat who holds in his hands the destinies
of men. His prosperity means universal prosperity ; his failure brings dis¬
tress sooner or later upon all. With the poet we say to the honest tiller of
the soil :
“ Ply your hands with busy care
While the sun is shining bright,
Briskly drive the polished share
Ere the gloaming of the night :
Labor still, there still is need,
Pulverize the fruitful soil,
Bury the prolific seed,
Earth shall well requite your toil.
All the millions must be fed,
All dependent on the sod,
All must look to you for bread.
Faithful steward be of God.”
work devoted to township sketches — space forbids their further mention
here.
Through the kindness of E. B. Pellet, Secretary, we are enabled to present
the following sketch of an association that has done and is doing much to
improve the strains of stock and methods of farming in this county :
THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The first public Fair was held near Murphysboro’, in the fall of 1858,
when, owing to the beginning of the civil war, no more fairs were held until
1867. In 1867 and 1868 fairs were held in De Soto, under the auspices of
some of our enterprising farmers, which met with such unexpected success
that a company was organized in the spring of 1869- The company pur¬
chased 20 acres of ground, near Murphysboro’, at a cost of $1,500, erected
conveniences, procured articles of association from the Secretary of State,
on the 4th day of August, 1850, and were known as the Jackson County
Agricultural and Joint Stock Association. The capital stock was five
thousand dollars, divided into two hundred shares at twenty-five dollars
each. The incorporators were John M. Gill, Thos. M. Logan, Logan
Wheeler, Geo. G. Will, Wm. H. Davis, Philip Kimmel, Sr., C. B. Dishon,
P. H. Hall, Isaac Kimmel, Wm. E. Talbott, S. S. Hall, James W. Hall,
and Israel Blanchard.
The association continued its regular annual exhibition under the articles
of association, until August 10, 1872, when it adopted the act of the Legis¬
lature, passed and approved April 17, 1871, providing for a Department of
Agriculture. The name was then changed to the “ Jackson County Agri¬
cultural Board,” by which name it is now known. The Fairs have been
regularly held on the grounds. The next fair will be held October.
The present Board of Directors are, Messrs. R. A. Beasley, Geo. G. Will,
Henry Thompson, N. T. Eakin and Edward Worthen, all of whom are prac¬
tical farmers. The officers of the Board are, R. A. Beasley, President, E.
B. Pellet, Secretary, G. G. Will, Treasurer.
CHAPTER XI
FAUNA AND FLORA.
It is unfortunate for us that we have so few manufactures in our county.
We have, for instance, most excellent timber, which is sawed into lumber
and sent to the north to be used in the manufacture of farm machinery and
implements, and the farmer, who buys, has to pay the extra expense of ship¬
ping each way. It is time that a more liberal policy be adopted towards
capitalists who have money to invest in manufactures. They should be urged
to come and invest within our limits. The reaction and depression which
followed the feverish expansion of all industries by the war, is passing away.
The farmer, again, is beginning to receive the just recompense of his hard
and honest labor. Prosperity is setting in upon us like a mighty tide. The
result of increased confidence in the return of good prices is seen in the in¬
creased acreage of grain planted over last year. More acres are in wheat to¬
day in our county than was ever before known. The future of the agricul¬
turist is indeed promising.
Old methods of farming are passing away. The sickle with which the
early settlers reaped the golden grain rusts upon the wall, and near it may
be seen the more modern cradle. The reaper has supplanted them, and its
cheerful clatter in the days when the fields grow yellow, is heard throughout
all our borders. Gone is the flail of which poets have sweetly sung, and
instead the farmer uses the steam-thresher, which if less poetical, is far
superior to the ancient implement.
Our country is yet young. The child is yet in its mother’s arms that will
see the great fertile surface of our county all laid under contribution by
skilful husbandmen, and producing abundantly.
Its broad breast is capable of supporting, instead of 25,000, a half-million
of people. And one day they will be here. The tramp of their coming feet
may even now be heard in imagination.
We are in the midst of the great wheat zone of our continent, and of
course are provided with mills. We have many most excellent merchant
mills, whose brands command the very highest market price. • The number
and capacity of these may be seen by a reference to the portion of the
BY ROBERT ALLYN, LL.D.
HERE are eighteen townships in the county, viz. : Ava, Elkville,
Yergennes, Ora, Bradley, Degognia, Ivinkaid, Levana, Somerset,
De Sota, Carbondale, Murphysboro’, Sand Ridge, Big Hill, Big
Lake, Grand Tower, Ridge, and Makanda. Some of these are
largely composed of bottom land and marshes, as Big Lake, for an exatnple ;
and others have much prairie surface, as in Vergennes and Elkville. The,
history of each of these is to be written, and nothing further need be here
said. The Fauna and Flora of these prairies and valleys and hills are
curious and very interesting to science. The animals, large and small, use¬
ful and annoying to man, are too numerous to be recited and described here.
The same may be said of the plants, annual and perennial. It is highly
proper, however, to enumerate some of the most common of these in both
kingdoms.
The deer indigenous to this territory was of two kinds — the American
Deer (cervus Virginianus) and the White-tailed Deer (cervus leucurus).
The latter is still found in the county, and affords rare sport to huntsmen.
The buffalo was undoubtedly a denizen of our plains. For a long time be¬
fore the settlers came, this noble animal had departed, as had the mammoth.
Besides the deer and rabbit, and gray aud fox-squirrels, there are few game
animals. There are more of birds, as the turkey — the noblest of wild fowls
— requiring most of art to shoot, and affording the most delicious food. The
prairie-hen and water-fowl were also abundant, and easily approached in the
early days, but now have grown so shy as to be obtained only with difficulty
It would be almost impossible within the limits of this article to name the
various species of birds which frequent our waters and' forests. Birds of
passage, geese, ducks, pigeons, teal, and others haunt our lakes, and at spe¬
cial seasons darken the air. Then nearly all the warblers, and a hundred
others, migrate through our county, from the sober garden-swallow and
42
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, \ ILLINOIS.
phcebe to the gay taniger and bobolink. This latter bird most commonly
passes our latitude before he adopts his soldier uniform of black and white
and takes up his rattling song. And when he returns in autumn, it is with
a quaker coat and a silent tongue, both suggestive of his destiny to become
fat and idle.
Several species of the native animals, and probably many aboriginal plants
also, have perished, being unable to endure the presence of civilization, or
finding their congenial food appropriated by stronger races. The Indian
himself, aside from that peculiar hostility which the English blood appears
to have to any foreign stain, has proved himself averse to a dwelling-place
among us, and has disappeared. So the bison departed on the advent of the
hunter-tribe, which for a short period preceded the settlers. The deer has
almost gone, and the wild-turkey and prairie-hen only maintain a stolen
right to life by superior art in hiding. The wolf was such an enemy as could
not be tolerated, and the fox still»exists only by a more acute cunniug. The
gopher and porcupine have long since left for other haunts, as did the
beaver, which was too valuable a prize to be left undisturbed in his native
clime. To take the place of these, rats and mice have followed civilized
man, as have a host of insects, to be bis torment, and an inducement to
vigilance and industry.
In the vegetable kingdom, how many have fled we can scarcely guess.
But the buffalo grass, which only grew on parts of our prairies, and perhaps
not at all in our county, and almost wholly the large pampas grass, have
given place to blue grass, which, in places where our domestic cattle feed, is
rapidly and quietly displacing all others. How <nany weeds have been
naturalized by man can only be conjectured. They have come along with
useful plants and flowers, and serve almost as well to mark man’s progress
as do his biddings. And how many birds follow man ! It is one of the facts
to be marked that in the temperate zone the uncultivated forests maintain
comparatively few of the smaller birds, particularly those whose songs delight
the ear. The honey-bee also accompanies civilization, though its swarms do
often escape and go in advance. In respect to grasses, birds and bees then,
no less than weeds and annoying bugs, we have brought a great immigration
to the county, and we have driven off the many tribes of aboriginal men and
animals.
The fish of our streams are the cat, the bass, and the sun-fish. There are
perch and others, but only the bass is a real game fish, and this often affords
the finest sport.
The plants are many and rare, some for beauty and some for medicine.
The pink-root, the columbo, the ginseng, the boneset, pennyroyal, and others
are gathered and afford a supply of herbs valuable for the shelves of the
apothecary. The plants for beauty are the phlox, the lily, the asclepias, the
mints, golden rod, the eye-bright, gerardia, and hundreds more which adorn
the meadows, and brooksides. The common names alone are given above,
because so few would recognize them in any other dress. Besides, we have
climbing vines, the trumpet-creeper, the bitter sweet, the woodbine, the cle¬
matis and the grape, which fill our woods with gay festoons, and add grace
to many a decaying monarch of the forest. But our trees and grasses, one
so lordly and permanent, the other so humble and transient, are the true
glories of our county. The tulip tree often eighty feet in diameter, and
nearly two hundred feet high. The oak, with at least its twenty varieties,
the hickory with as many more species, the pecan, the thirty kinds of elm,
from the sort with leaves large as a man’s hand, to that which bears leaves
scarcely larger than a thumb-nail, the majestic honey locust, with its threats
of thorns, the black walnut, so tall and straight in its bole, the hackberry,
’ the gum tree, black and sweet, the giant cottonwoods, and hundreds more
attest the fertility of our soil, and the mildness of our climate. While the
blue-grass in its ten varieties, the timothy and redtop, with clover so abun¬
dant in succulence, prove how easy it might be to make ours a country for
dairies, as it has been shown to be a place for wheat and maize. Our
marshes too, produce in rank luxuriance numerous kinds of sedges, which
really ought to be in some way made useful. While the broad prairies still
teem in some spots with the tall pampas grass, and brilliant wild flowers of
the wilderness, no land can show a larger variety either useful or beautiful.
There are shrubs, which, for beauty of leaf and glory of autumn berries,
ought by no means to be omitted from our list of attractions. The wahoe
shows a wonderful brilliancy of scarlet fruit, which fairly seems to set the
bottoms where it grows into flame ; and the fire bush-speckled alder, as it is
elsewhere named — is if possible even more gorgeous — with its loads of crim¬
son berries which remain nearly the whole winter. These are easily trans¬
planted and might be made to adorn the lawns and gardens of our citizens,
and add a cheerfulness to our homes, and if they were judiciously mingled
with evergreens, no picture could be finer at Christmas, thau any settler’s
cabin or farmer’s house could show to the passing traveler.
The pawpaw, is another shrub which has a beautiful foliage, and a fruit
to most tastes very delicious, and if it were cultivated under the name of the
custard-apple, as some sections call it, is would be a luxury indeed. There
is no doubt that careful selection of seeds, and proper culture would at once
increase the amount of fruit born by the shrub, and reduce the number and
size of the seeds, while adding to the pulp till this should be even better
than the banana. The same may be said of the persimmon, so acrid and
astringent in its early state, and so date-like and sugary when fully ripened
by frosts. If these fruits could be allowed half the care and scientific at¬
tention which the pear has had from the Hollanders, it is quite certain that
they might become as luscious, and desirable as the peach or plum. They
are native trees and appear to resist the insects, and accidents which over¬
take our imported trees, and if our planters would turn their studies and
energies in this direction, America might add to the wealth and comfort of
the world in them, as she has in the turkey and potato.
This would be the place to speak more fully of the original trees and
shrubs of the county, and of the animals indigenous to the section. But to
give a simple scientific description of these would profit common readers little,
and . would only repeat what is already familiar to the learned. And to enu¬
merate the well-known names of our wild beasts, and fowls, and plants, would
add little to the interest of this volume. The day is not very distant in the
past, when a good hunter was certain to kill game enough — turkey or grouse,
squirrel or rabbit, deer or coon— before breakfast time, to support his family
a week. He was certain to find duck or geese in their season, and able thus
to defy want. Little work was needed to sustain life and rear healthful
children, and being much in the open air was favorable to health and lon¬
gevity. Then wild fruits, plums, grapes, crab-apples, pawpaws, may-apples,
and nuts, pecans, walnuts, hazel, and hickory, abounded, and offered them¬
selves in unlimited luxury to all who desired them. It was an easy thing to
supply a family with these things. Mast was so abundant that multitudes
of hogs could sustain themselves in the forests with scarcely a care on the
part of their owners, and with game so plenty it is no wonder that indolence
should have been common among the people. So long as the wants of the
people were few and simple, there was small need of hard hand labor, or
much frugality. People were sure that famine would not reach them, and,
as all were equal, and now wished to display a wealth they did not possess,
they simply lived in content and listened to the storm of anxiety and warfare
elsewhere.
But there came over the country a wave of speculation in the raising of
fruit. The climate and soil, and the direct line to a market which the Illi¬
nois Central Rail Road offered, opened men’s minds to ambition, and their
land to speculation, and for several years nothing was thought of but either how
to sell a farm or to raise a crop of peaches which should astonish the world.
No business is more promising, and none has absorbed so much capital.
Since fruit-growing has been made a leading business of our county, the citi¬
zens have mostly devoted themselves to it, and the section is one which ships
largely by all trains to the northern market. Of course there is danger that
by a continual transportation of this fruit — the best growth of the soil —in
fact almost the soil itself — the land will become impoverished unless by skil¬
ful husbandry it can be restored. What manures are needed to keep up the
vitality and productiveness of the grape and of the peach ; how to destroy
the apple-borer and the curculio and fruit worm ; by what arts to circum¬
vent the chinch bug, and potato beetle, and army worm ; these are questions
for every citizen and farmer to ponder, and scientific men should be alert to
destroy these enemies of the race. Birds should be protected, and such as
destroy insects and larvse should be artificially bred, if possible, till our
woods and meadows are vocal with the songs of these best assistants of man
in the work of defending growing crops. The quail, the robin and thrush,
the sparrows and fly-catchers, the swallows and night-hawks, should not sim¬
ply be tolerated ; they should be welcomed and harbored. So the blue birds
and wrens, the woodpeckers, and even the noisy jays, should feel at home
everywhere The orioles and tanigers, the cat bird and mocking bifd, ought
to be almost domesticated and greeted as companions. Some berries these
birds will of course destroy, but the armies of noxious creatures they will
slay would have destroyed tenfold more in almost any one year, and very
soon would have consumed all the hopes of the husbandman. Our writing
would fail of its point if it should omit to emphasize this matter and enforce
it on the attention of the whole community. Its importance can scarcely be
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
43
overrated, and the whole community should be a grand parliament to enact
regulations and to enforce customs which should aid every insectivorous bird
to find a nest, and rear many broods of young each year in our orchards a,nd
forests, till these should sweep away, and forever, the pests which now prey
upon our noblest industry — agriculture. The farmer cannot protect himself
alone, as the merchant can his goods, from flies and weevils, and worms, and
bugs ; but the birds can do it by their greediness and vigilance. Why shall
it not be considered a crime to hunt a bird at certain seasons, or at any time,
to break up its nest? Birds add so much to the beauty and cheerfulness of
a home, and are so useful in a thousand ways, that they fully merit protec¬
tion not only by the statute law, but the universal custom and constant dili¬
gence of every citizen of a land that would have its agriculture, and through
it every other interest, assured of prosperity.
We give the following classification of birds into three divisions, as found
in the “ Transactions of the Illinois State Horticultural Society ” of 1876 :
1st. Those of the greatest value to the fruit-growers, in destroying noxious
insects, and which should be encouraged and fostered in every way.
Blue birds, Tit-mice or Chicadees ; Warblers, (small summer birds, with
pleasaut notes, seen in trees and gardens) ; Swallows; Vuros, (small birds
called green-necks); all birds known as Woodpeckers, except sap-sucker
(Picus varius ) ; this bird is entirsly injurious, as it is not insectivorous, but
feeds on the inner bark, cambium (and the elaborated sap) of many species
of trees, and may be known from other Wood-peckers, by its belly being
yellowish, a large black patch on its breast, and the top of its head of a
dark, bright red ; the male have also a patch of the same on their throats
and with the inner margins of the two central tail feathers white. This bird
should not be mistaken for the two other, most valuable birds which it
nearly resembles, to wit: The Hairy Woodpecker ( Picus ViUosus et vars ),
and the Downy Woodpecker (Picus pub escens etvars). These two species
have the outer tail feathers white (or barred with black), and have only a
small patch of red on the back of the head of the males only, (The Yellow-
Hammer, or Flecker, Colaptus auratus, is somewhat colored with yellow, and
should not be mistaken for the Sap-Sucker ; it is a much larger bird.) The
Read-headed Woodpecker (Melonerepes erythrocephalus ) sometimes pecks into
apples, and devours cherries, and should be placed in the next division (2d).
The Wrens, Ground Robin (known asChervink), Meadow Lark, all the Fly¬
catchers, the King Bird, or bee-catcher, Whip-poor-will, Night Hawk, or
goat-sucker, Nut-hatcher, Pewee, or Pewit. All the Blackbirds, Bobolink,
(!) American Cuckoos, Plovers, Snipe (Upland), Grosbeaks and other
Finches (Fringillidall), Quails, Song Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Black, White
and Brown Creepers, Maryland Warbler, Indigo Bird, Chirping Sparrow,
Black-throated Bunting, Thrushes, except those named in the next class,
and all domestic fowls, except geese.
2d. — BIRDS OF DOUBTFUL UTILITY.
Which include those which have beneficial qualities, but which have also,
noxious or destructive qualities, in the way of destroying fruits, and whose
habits are not fully determined. (Thus the Robin, Brown Thrush and Cat¬
bird are very valuable as cut-worm eaters, but also very obnoxious to the
small fruit-growers. The Jay (Blue Jay) is not only destructive to grains
and fruits, but very noxious in the way of destroying the nests, eggs and
young of smaller and better birds. I think that notwithstanding his great
beautv and sauciness, that he should be placed in the last list.) Robin,
Brown Thrush and Cat-bird, Shrike or Butcher Bird, Red-headed Wood¬
pecker, Jay-bird or, Blue-Jay, Crow and the small Owls (screech owls),
Pigeons and Mocking Birds. There are many other birds that should be
placed in one or the other of the foregoing lists ; but it will serve as a rule, to
preserve all birds not named in the two last lists. Those in the second list,
the commission thought should not be preserved by legal enactments, but
leave each person to have his option as to destroying them or not- Those
named in the next and last list, should be destroyed by all, whenever oppor¬
tunity offers.
3d. — BIRDS THAT SHOULD BE EXTERMINATED.
Sap-Sucker, or Yellow-bellied Woodpecker, (see above), Baltimore Oriole,
or Hanging Bird, (oh, what a pity,) Cedar Bird, or Wax- wings ( Ampelis
eedrorum), Hawks and the larger Owls.
RANUNCULACEiE.
Clematis — Crowfoots — Herbs or Woody Climbers. Viorna — This is com¬
monly called the Leather Flower. Pitcheri — Leaves pinnate — leaf¬
lets roughened with the netted veins- Anemone — Wind-flower. Cy-
lindrica. Hepatica. — Liverworts — Flowers blue, varying to white,
neat and elegant, becoming double in cultivation — los with 3 round
lobes. Triloba. Acutiloba — los with 3 acute lobes. Flowers violet
blue to rose purple. Thalictrum — Meadow Rue. Dioicum — Dry
Woods, &c. Purpurascens — Low grounds, borders of thickets, &c.
Cornuti. Ranunculus — Butter-cups. Multifidus — Ponds, through¬
out the State — Yellow water-crowfoot. Oblongifolius. Abortivus —
Flowers very small and pretty. Yar. Micranthus — Pale green — flow¬
ers small. Fascicularis — Early Crowfoot. Repens — Showy flowers.
Myosurus — Mouse Tail — a curious little plant. Minimus. Isopy-
rum — False one Anemone — Very pretty. Biternatum. Aquilegia
— Columbine. Canadensis — very smooth — round wedge form — nod¬
ding flowers — yellow within — stamens and styles yellow. Delphi¬
nium — Larkspur. Tricorne — Flowers blue, white. Hydrastis —
Tumeric-root. Canadensis — Terminal flowers — reddish white — fruit
crimson. Acttea — Baneberry. Albal.
MANOLIACEtE.
Magnolia — Named for Prof. Magnol of the 17th Century. Acumiuata —
Cucumber tree. Liriodendron — Tulip Tree — Whitewood. Tulipi-
fera — A noble tree, beautiful in foliage and flowers.
anonace^e.
Asimina — Anonads. Triloba — Eatable in October.
NENISPERMACEiE.
Cocculus — Shrubs — twining or climbing. Carolinus. Menispermum —
Moon seed — that is crescent shaped. Canadense — Flowers in July —
fruit resembles grapes. Calycocarpum — Cup-seed. Lyoni — Flowers
small.
BERBERIDACEiE — Herbs or Shrubs.
Caulophyllum. Thalictroides — Pappoose Root. Podophyllum — May
Apple — Fruit size of plum, with strawberry flavor — Leaves and root
poisonous. Peltatum .
MYMPHiEACEJv — Herbs Aquatic in Deep Water.
Nelumbium. Luteum — A magnificent aquatic — leaves, erect, round. Nu-
phar — Yellow Pond Lily — Flowers deep yellow. Advena. Sag-
tifolia — Leaves oblong.
PAPAVERACEiE — Poppy-worts, Herbs.
Argemone — Prickly Poppy. Mexicana — Yellow varying to white. Sty-
lophorum. Diphyllum. Sanguinaria — Blood-root. Canadensis
An interesting flower.
FUMARI ACEiE — Fume-worts, Herbs.
Dicentra — Ear-drop. Cucullaria — White Ear-drop. Nasturtium —
Water-Cress. Sessiliflorum — Erect stem — Small flowers. Palustre
— Marsh Cress. Armoracia — Horse-radish. Dentaria. Lacinia-
ta. Cardamine. Rhomboidea — Bitter Cress. Hirsuta. Var.
Sylvatica. Arabis — Rock Cress. Ludoviciana. Sisymbrium. —
Canescens — Tansey Mustard. Brassica — Cabbage Mustard, &c.
Nigra — Black Mustard. Draba — Brachycarpa. Caroliniana. Cap-
sella — Bursa-pastoris. Shepherd’s purse. Lepidium— Virginicum.
Pepper Grass. Intermedium.
VIOLACE JE— Violets.
Viola. — Pansy Violets. Cucullata. Var. Palmata — Larg flowers.. Pe-
data — Smooth nd beautiful. Flowers large, violet-blue. Sagattata
Prairies and fields. Striata — Wet grounds. Flowers, cream-white
Pubescens.
44
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
CISTACEJE — Rock Roses.
Helianthemum. — Rock Rose. Canadense — Known as Frost Plant. Mi¬
nor — Summer.
HYPERICACEiE — St. John's Wort.
Ascyrxjm — St. Peter’s Wort — Crux Andrea — St. Andrew’s Cross. Hyperi¬
cum — St. John’s Wort. Prolificum. Sphserocarpon. Corymbosum.
Mutilum. Drummondii. Sarothra.
CA RY OPH YLLACEyE — Pink Worts. {Herbs with swollen joints.')
Saponaria — Officinalis. Bouncing Bet. White. Vaccaria — Vulgaris.
Silene — Catch Fly. Covered with a viscid secretion. Stellata.
Antirrhina. Snap-dragon. Catch-fly.
Lychnis. Githago. Stellaria — Star Chickweed. Media. Longifolia.
Cerastium. Nutans. Sagina — Pearl Wort. Subulata. Anychia.
Dichotoma. Mollugo. Verticillata.
PORTULACE^.
Portulaca. Purslanes. Oleracea — Common Purslane — Reddish Stems —
prostrate — plant smooth, succulent. Claytonia — Spring Beauty.
Virginica — Flowers roseate.
MALVACEAE. — Mallows, Herbs, or Shrubs.
Sida. Spinosa. Abutilon — Indian Mallow. Hibiscus. Moscheutos.
Grandiflorus. Trionum — Flower of an Hour.
TILIACEyE. — Linden Blooms.
Tilia — Linden Tree. Americana — Bass wood.
LINACEiE. — Or Flax Worts
Linum — Flax. Virginianum.
GERANIACEiE. — Herbs or Shrubs.
Geranium — Crane’s Bill. Maculatum. Carolinianum. Impatiens — or
Touch-Me-Not. Pallida. Fulva. Oxalis. — Wood Sorrel. Viola-
cea — Purple Flowers. Stricta — Yellow Flowers.
RUTACEyE. — Rue Worts.
Generally trees or Shrubs. Ptelea. — Shrub Tre-foil. Trifoliata.
ANACARDIACEyE. — Or the Sumacs.
Rhus. Glabra Copallina — Mountain Sumac. Toxicodendron— Poison
Oak — Poison Ivy. Aromatica — Sweet Sumac.
VITACE^.— Vines.
Vitis. — GrapeVines. JEstivalis — Fruit deep blue — ripe in Sept. Cinerea.
Cordifolia — Frost Grape. Indi visa. Bipinnata — Fruit small, black.
Ampelopsis. Quinquefolia (woods ; common).
RHAMNACEiE. — Or Buckthorns.
Frangula. Caroliniana (river banks. Grand Tower, Jackson county,
Vasey, Brendel, &c. ; Union, Wolf). Ceanothus — Jersey Tea —
Red-Root. Americanus (dry prairies and barrens ; common).
CELASTR ACEiE. — Or Staff Trees.
Cela8trus. Scandens (woods along streams; common). Euonymus —
Burning Bush. Atropurpureus — Crimson fruit, (rich woods; com¬
mon). var. Obovatus (Riverside, Cook county, Babcock, Munroe.
Jackson county, Vasey ; rare).
SAPIND ACEiE. — Maple Worts.
Staphylea — Bladder Nut. Trifolia (woods along streams ; frequent);
.JEsculus — Horse Chestnut — Buckeye. Glabra (river banks. Hen¬
derson county ; Peoria, Brendel ; and southward ; common. A tree
with smooth fruit, near Oquawka. Acer. — Maple. Saccharinum — Su¬
gar Maple, Rock Maple (river banks ; common), var. Nigrum — Black
Maple, Sugar Tree. (Hancock county, Mead ; and southward. Da-
sycarpum — White Maple (river banks; common). Rubrum — Red
Maple — Swamp Maple (river banks. Marion county, Bebb ; and
common southward. Negundo — Box elder or Ash — Maple — a hand¬
some tree. Aceroides (river banks ; common).
POLY GALACEyE. — Or Milkworts, Herbs or Shrubs.
Polygala. Sanguinea (wet meadows; common). Verticillata (dry prai¬
ries and barrens ; common).
LEGUMINOSyE. — Herbs, Shrubs or Trees.
Crotalaria — Rattle Pod. Sagittalis. Trifolium — Clover. Pratense —
Red Clover. Reflexum — Buffalo Clover. Repens — White Clover.
Melilotus Alba — sweet scented Clover. Psoralea. Melilotoides.
Dalea. Alopecuroides — Flowers white and violet. Petalostemon.
Violaceus. Candidus. Amorpha. Fruticosa. Canescens. Robinia
— Locust. Pseudacacia — Common Locust. Wistaria. Frutescens.
Tephrosia — Goat’s Rue — Cat-gut. Virginiana. (Prairies and bar¬
rens. Common.) Astragalus — Milk Vetch. Canadensis— tall.
Desmodium — Bush Trifoil. Nudiflorum. Acuminatum. Pauciflo-
rum. Rotundifolium — plant prostrate, downy. Canescens- Cuspida-
tum. Lmvigatum. Viridiflorum. Canadense. Lespedeza — Bush
Clover. Procumbens. Violacea. (The varieties divergeus, sessili-
flora and angustifolia all occur in the State.) Hirta — reddish
white flowers. Capitata — Bush Clover. Varieties, Angustifo¬
lia. Stylosanthes — Pencil Flower. Anos. Tuberosa — Ground
nut. Phaseolus — Kidney Bean. Diversifolius. Helvolus. Clitoria.
Mariana. (In Jackson County). Amphicarp;ea. Monoica.
Baptisia. Leucantha. Leucophrea. Cercis. Canadensis. Cassia
— or Cenna. Marilandica — American Senna. Chamiecrista — Sensi¬
tive pea. Wild sensitive plant. Nictitans. Gymnocladus — or Coffee
tree. Canadensis. Gleditschia — or Honey Locust. Triacanthos.
Monosperma — Water Locust.
ROSACEJE — Rose Worts.
Prunus — Plum. Americana — Red Plum, Yellow Plum. Chicasa — Chick¬
asaw Plum. Virginiana — Choke Cherry. Serotina — Black or Wild
Cherry. Spiraea. Aruncus — Goat’s Beard. Gillenia — Indian
Physic. Stipulacea — Bowman’s Root. Agrimonia. Eupatoria.
Parviflora. Geum. Album Virginianum. Potentilla — Cin¬
quefoil. Norvegica. Canadensis. Fragaria — Strawberry. Vir¬
giniana. Illinoensis. Rubus — Bramble. Occidentalis — Black Rasp¬
berry. Villosus — High Blackberry. Canadensis — Northern Dew¬
berry. Rosa — Rose. Setigera — Prairie Rose. Lucida — Wild-
Rose. Blanda — Thornless Wild Rose. Crat-EGUs — Thorn-Haw¬
thorn. Coccinea — White Thorn. Crus-galli — -Cock-spur Thorn-
Pyrus — Pear, Apple, &c. Coronaria — Wild Crab tree. Amelan.
chier — Shad Flower, var. Oblongifolia. var. Rotundifolia. var.
Alnifolia.
SAXIFRAGACEyE — Herbs or Shrubs.
Hydrangea. Arborescens. Saxifraga — Saxifrage. Forbesii. Mitella
— Nitre-wort. Diphylla — Curious.
CRASSULACEiE — House Leeks.
Penthorum. Sedoides — Virginia Stone Crop. Sedum — Stone Crop.
HAMAMELACEJE.
Hamamelis. Virginica — Witch Hazel. Liquidambar — Sweet Gum
Tree. Styraciflua.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
45
HALORAGE.E.
Ambiguum. var. Capillaceum. Proserpinaca. Palustris — Mermaid Weed.
ONAGRACEJE.
Circ.ea — Enchanters’ Nightshade. Lutetiana. Gaura. Biennis. Epi-
lobium. Coloratuoi. Oenothera — Evening Primrose. Fruticosa
(low prairies, &c. ; frequent). Linearis (Carbondale, Jackson County,
Forbes). "Jussive A. Repens. Decurrens. Ludwigia — Bastard
Loosestrife. Alteruifolia. Sphterocarpa. Polycarpa. Cylindrica.
Palustris — Water Purslane.
L Y T H R AC EHC — Loosestrifes.
Ammannia. Latifolia. Lythrum — Loosestrife. Alatum. Cuphea. Vis-
cosissima.
CACTACEiE — Indian Figs.
Opuntia. Rafinesquii.
PASSIFLORACEiE.
Passiflora — Passion -Flower. Lutea.
UMBELLIFER^E.
Sanicula — Sanicle. Canadensis. Marilandica. Eryngium. Yuccrefolium.
Polyt.enia. Nuttalli. Heracleum — Cow Parsnip. Lanatum.
Pastinaca. Sativa. Archangelica — Angelica Hirsuta. Thas-
pium — Golden Alexanders. Trifoliatum. Zizia. Integerrima.
Nuttallii. Cicuta. Maculata — Water Hemlock. Cryptot;enia —
Plouewort. Canadensis. Chasropiiyllum. Procumbens. Osmor-
rhiza Longistyiis — Sweet Cicely. Brevistylis. Erigenia — Daugh¬
ter of Spring. Bulbosi.
ARALIACEJE — Trees or Shrubs.
Aralia. Spinosa — Wild Sarsaparilla. Racemosa — Pettymorrel. Quin-
quefolia.
CORN ACE JD — Cor neb.
Cornus — or Dogwood. Florida — Flowering Dogwood. Sericea. Asperi-
folia. Nyssa — Gum Tree. Multiflora.
CAPCIFOLIACE^E — Honeysuckles.
Symphoricarpus — Snowberry. Occidentals. Triosteum — Feverwort —
Perfoliatum. Sambucus — Elder — Canadensis. Viburnum. Lentago
— Sweet Viburnum. Prunifoliura — Black Haw.
RUBIACEAS — Madderworts.
Galium. Aparine. Asprellum. Trifidum — Goose-grass. Triflorum.
Pilosum. Circsezans — Wild Liquorice. Diodia. Virginica. Teres.
Cephalanthus — Button Bush. Occidentalis. Mitchella — Partridge
Berry. Houstonia — Bluets. Angustifolia.
VALERIANACEiE — Valerians.
Valeriana. Pauciflora.
COM POSITS — A sterworts.
Vernonia. Fasciculata — Iron Weed. Elephant’s Foot. Liatris Bla¬
zing Star. Squarrosa. Scariosa — Gay Feather. Pycnostachya.
Eupatorium, or Boneset. Purpureum. Altissimum — Tall. Perfolia¬
tum — Boneset. Serotinum. Ageratoides. Aromaticum. Mikania —
Climbing Boneset. Conoclinium — Many flowered heads. Ccelesti-
num. Aster. Corymbosus. Sericeus — Bushy Violet-blue. Patens.
Turbinellus — Blue. Sagittifolius. Ericoides. Multiflorus. Dumo-
sus. Tradescanti. Miser. Simplex. Oblongifolius. Novae-Anglise.
Erigeron — Fleabane Whiteweed. Canadense. Divaricatum. Belli-
difolium. Philadelphicum. Annuum. Strigosum. Diffusa. Soli-
dago — Golden Rod. Bicolor. Ciesia — Very elegant. Ulmifolia.
Drummondii. Nemoralis. Missouriensis. Canadensis. Serotina.
Pulchea — Marsh Fleabane. Foetida. , Polymnia — Leaf Cup.
Canadensis. Silphium — Rasin-weed. Laciniatum — Polar Plant.
Terebinthinaceum — Prairie Burdock. Integrifolium. Perfoliatum —
Cup Plant. Parthenium. Integrifolium. Iva — Marsh Elder.
Ciliata. Ambrosia — Horse Weed. Bidentata. Trifida. Artemi-
sirefolia — Hog-weed. Xanthium — Clot-weed. Strumarium. Heli-
opsis — Ox Eye. Ltevis — Hedges. Echinacea — Purple Cone
Flower. Purpurea. Angustifolia. Rudbeckia. Laciniata. Sub-
tomentosa. Triloba. Hirta. Lepachys. Pinnata. Helianthus
— Sun-flower. Annuus — Great Sun-flower. Atrorubens. Rigi-
dus. Occidentalis. Mollis. Microcephalus. Actinomeris. Squar¬
rosa. Helianthoides. Coreopsis — Tick- weed. Auriculata. Lan-
ceolata. Tripteris. Aristosa. Bidens. Bipinnata — Spanish Needles.
Dysodia — False Dog Fennel. Chrysanthemoides. Helenium —
Very bitter. Autumuale. Leptopoda. Brachypoda. Maruta.
Cotula. Achillea— Millifoil.Millifolun* Tanacetum — Tansy. Vul-
gare. Artemisia — Wormwood. Caudata. Gnaphalium— Cud-weed.
Polycephalum — Everlasting, fragrant. Antennaria — Everlasting.
Plantaginifolia — Mouse Ear, everlasting. Erechthites — Fire-
weed. Hieracifolia. Cacalia — Tassel Flower. Reniformis. Senecio
— Groundsel. Lobatus — Buttf-r-weed. Aureus. Cirsium — Thistle.
Discolor. Virginianum. var. Filipendulum. Lappa — Burdock.
Cynthia. Virginica. Dandelion. Hieracium — Hawk-weed. Gro-
novii. Nabalus— Drop Flower. Albus. Asper -Yellowish flowers.
Crepidineus. Taraxacum — Dandelion. Dens-leonis Lactuca —
Lettuce. Canadensis. Mulgedium. Leucophaeum.
LOBELIACEiE. — Herbs or Shrubs — Milky Juice.
Lobelia. Cardinalis — Cardinal flower. Syphilitica — Great Lobelia. Pu-
berula. Leptostachys. Inflata — Indian Tobacco. Spicata.
CAMPANULACEiE.
Campanula. Rotundifolia — Hare-bell. Divaricata. Americana. Spe-
cularia. Perfoliata.
ERICACEAE. — Heathworts Shrubby.
Vaccinium — Blue berry. Arboreum. Vacillans. Chimaphila. Um-
bellata — Prince’s Pine.
EBENACEiE.
Diospyros— Persimmon or “Possum Apple.”
SAPOTACEiE. — Soap worts.
Bumelia. Lycioides.
PLAN TAGINACE^E.
Plantago — Plantain. Cordata. Pusilla. Patagonica. Varieties. Aristata.
PRIMULACEvE. — Promworts.
Dodecatheon — American Cowslip. Meadia — Singularly Elegant. Ly-
simachia — Loose-strife. Samolus — Water Pimpernel. Valerandi.
Varieties, Americanus.
LENTIBULACEyE. — Butterworts.
Utricularia — Bladderwort. V ulgaris.
BIGNONIACE^l. — Trumpet Flowers.
Bignonia. Capreolata. Tecoma — Trumpet Flower. Radicans. Catalpa.
Bignonioides. Martynia — Unicorn plant. Proboscidea.
46
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, \ ILLINOIS.
OROBAJNCHACEjE. — Broomrapes.
Epiphegu8 — Beechdrop9. Virginiana. Aphyllon — Naked Broomrape.
Uniflorum.
SCROPHULARIACEAE. — Figivorts.
Verbascum — Mullein. Thapsus. Linaria — Toad-flax. Vulgaris — Com¬
mon Toad flax. Scrophularia — Figwort. Nodosa. Collinsia
— Innocence. Verna. Chelone — Turtle-head. Glabra — Snake-
head. Pentstemon — Beard-tongue. Pubescens. Digitalis.
Mimulus— Monkey-flower. Ringens. Alatus. Conobea. Multi-
fida. Herpestis. Rotundifolia. Gratiola — Hedge ifyssop.
Virginiana. Sphaerocarpa. Ilysanthes. Gratioloides. Veronica —
Speedwell. Virginica — Culver’s Physic. (Woods. Common). Pere-
grina. Arvensis. Gerardia. Purpurea. Tenuifolia. Castilleia
— Painted cup. Coccinea. Pedicularis — Lousewort. Canadensis.
Lanceolata.
ACANTHACE.®. — Acanthads
VERBEN AC.®. — Vervains.
Verbena. Angustifolia — Vervain. Hastata — Common Vervain. Urtici-
folia. Stricta — Mullein Vervain. Bracteosa. Aubletia. Lippia —
Fog-fruit. Phryma — Lop-seed. Leptostachya — Small, light, pur¬
ple flowers.
LABIATJD.
Teucrium — Germander. Canadense. Mentha — Mint. Viridis — Spear¬
mint. Lycopus — Water Hoar-hound. Virginicus — Bugle weed.
Europaeus. Varieties, Integrifolius. Varieties, Sinuatus. Cunila.
Pycnanthemum — Basil. Pilosum. Lanceolatum — Handsome. Lini-
folium. Hedeoma — American Pennyroyal. Pulegioides. Collin-
sonia — Horse Balm. Canadensis. , Salvia — Sage. Lyrata. Mon-
arda — Mountain-mint. Fistulosa — Horse-mint. (Also near Chicago,
Babcock — Int. ? Blephilia. Ciliata. Hirsuta. Nepeta — Cat¬
mint, Ground Ivy. Cataria — Catnip. Glechoma — Gill-over-the
ground. Synandra. Grandiflora. Physosteoia — Lion-heart.
Virginiana Brunella — Self-heal, Blue-curls. Vulgaris. Scutel¬
laria — Skull-cap. Versicolor. Parvula. Galericulata — Common
Skull-cap. Lateriflora — Mad-dog, Skull-cap. Marrubium — Hoar-
hound. Vulgare. Stachys — Hedge Nettle. Palustris. Leonurus
— Motherwort. Cardiaca.
BORRAGINACE.® — Shrubs or Trees.
Symphytum. Officinale. Onosmodium — White flowers. Carolinianum.
Lithospermum — Puccoon. Arvense — White-thief. Latifolium.
Hirtum Canescens — Puccoon. Mertensia — Smooth Lungwort.
Virginica. Myosotis — Forget-me-not. Echinospermum — Burr-
seed. Lappula. Cynoglo98UM — Hound’s tongue. Virginicum.
Morisoni — Beggar-ticks. Heliotropium — Heliotrope. Curassavi-
cum. Heliophytum.
HYDROPIIYLLACE^E.
Hydrophyllum — Water Leaf. Appendiculatum. Phacelia. Bipinna-
tifida.
POLEMONIACE.® — Phloxworis.
Polemonium — Greek Valerian. Phlox — Flowers pink-purple, varying to
white. Paniculata. Pilosa. Divaricata. Stellaria — Only found in
Jackson County in this State.
CONVOLVULACEJE — Bind-weeds
Quamoclit — Cypresa-vine. Coccinea. Ipomcea. Pandurata — Wild Po¬
tato. Calystegia — Rutland Beauty. Cuscuta — Dodder. Grono-
vii. Compacts. Glomerata.
SOLAN ACE^E — Night Shades.
Solanum. Dulcamara — Bitter Sweet. Nigrum — Night Shade. Caroli-
nense — Horse Nettle Physalis — Ground Cherry. Angulata. Pu-
besceDs. Viscosa. Var. Lanceolata. Nicandra. Phvsaloides.
Datura — Thorn Apple. Stramonium — Jimsou.Weed. Tatula.
GENTIANACEJE.
Sabbatia. Angularis. Frasera — Columbt)., Gentiana — Gentian. Apocy-
num — Dog’s-bane. Androssemifolium. Cannabinum.
ASCLEPIADACE.®.
Ascepias— Milk-weed. Cornuti. Tuberosa — Butterfly weed. Verticillata.
Acerates.
OLE ACE.® — Oliveworts, Trees and Shrubs.
Fraxinus — Ash. Americana — White Ash. Pubescens — Red Ash. Quad-
rangulata — Blue Ash. Forestiera.
ARISTOLOCHIACE.®, or Birthworts.
Asarum. Canadense — Wild Ginger. Aristolochia. Serpentaria — Vir¬
ginia Snake-root. Tomentosa.
PHYTOLACCACEjE, or Poke-worts.
Phytolacca — Poke. Decandra — Common poke weed.
CHENOPODIACEjE, or Goose-foot.
Cycloloma. Platyphyllum. Chenopodium — C. Pig-weed, Goose-foot. Al¬
bum. Glaucum. Ambrosioides — Mexican Tea. Blitum — Straw¬
berry Blite. Capitatum.
A MAR ANT ACE All — Amaranths.
Amarantus. Rietroflexus. Albus — White pig-weed. Spinosus. Montelia.
Tamariscina.
POLYGON ACE AE, Sorrel-worts.
Polygonum. Orientale — Prince’s Feather. Pennsylvanicum. Incarnatum.,
Hartwrightii. Persicaria — Smart-weed. Hydropiper — Water Pepper.
Acre — Water Smart-weed. Hydropiperoides — Mild Water Pepper.
Amphibium. Virginianum. Aviculare — Door-weed. Convolvulus
— Knot Bind-weed. Dumetorum. Hedge Bind-weed. Fagopyrum
Esculentum — Buckwheat. Rumex — Dock, Sorrel. Verticillatus
— Water Dock. Crispus — Yellow Dock. Obtusifolius. Acetosella
— Sheep Sorrel.
LAURACEAE — Trees and Shrubs.
Sassafras. Officinale — Sassafras. Lindera — Spice Wood. Benzoin.
SANTALACEAE. — Bastard Toad Flax.
Comandra. Umbellata.
SAURURACEAE.
Saururus.
C A LLITRIC H ACE JE — Starworts.
Callitriche. Acalypha. Virginica — Three Seeded Mercury. Tragia.
Macrocarpa.
URTICACE.®. — Nettleworts.
Ulmus — Elm. Fulva — Slippery Elm. Americana — White Elm. Race-
mosa (near Elgin, Kane county, Vasey). Alata — Winged Elm.
Celtis — Sugar Berry. Occidental^. Mississippiensis. Morus —
Mulberry. Rubra. Urtica — Nettle. Gracilis . (moist grounds;
scarce). Dioica — Stinging Nettle. LaporteA — Wood Nettle. Ca¬
nadensis. Pilea — Richweed. Pumila. Bcehmeria — False Nettle.
Cylindrica (damp wood* ; frequent). Parietaria — Pellitory. Can¬
nabis — Hemp. Humulus — Hop. Lupulus.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
47
PL AT AN ACE JE. — Sycamores.
Platanus — Plane Tree, Buttonwood. Occidentalie — Sycamore.
JUGL ANDACEJE.— Walnuts.
Juglans. Cinerea — Butternut. Nigra — Black Walnut. Carya — Hick¬
ory. Olivaeformis — Pecan Nut. Alba — Shagbark. Sulcata — Thick
Shellbark. Tomentosa — Mockernut. Porcina — Pigout. Amara —
Bitter nut. -
CUPIJ LIFE R JE. — Mastworts.
Quercus — Oak. Alba — White Oak. Obtusiloba — Post Oak. Macrocarpa
— Moss-cup Oak. Bicolor — Swamp White Oak. Prinus — Swamp
Chestnut Oak. Acuminata. Imbricaria — Laurel Oak or Shingle
Oak. Nigra — Blackjack or Iron Oak. Falcata — Spanish Oak.
Coccinea — Scarlet Oak. Tinctoria — Black Oak. Rubra — Red Oak.
Palustris — Pin Oak. Fagus or Beech. Ferruginea. Corylus —
Hazelnut. Americana. Ostrya — Lever Wood. Virginica. Car-
pinus — Iron Wood or Horn-beam. Americana.
MYRICACEvE.
Comptonia. Asplenifolia — Sweet Fern.
BETULACEA2.
Betula, or Birch. Nigra — Red Birch. Alnus, or Alder. Serrulata —
Smooth Alder.
SALICACEvE.
Salix — Willow Osier. Nigra — Black Willow (common along water courses,
especially southward. Populus, or Poplar Aspen. Tremuloides.
Grandidentata. Heterophylla — Cottonwood. Monilifcra.
CONIFER^.— Conifers.
Pinus — Pine. Mitis — Yellow or Spruce Pine (Jackson and Union counties),
Cupressus. Thyoides — White Cedar. Juniperus — Juniper. Vir-
giniana — Red Cedar (Rocky hillsides, &c. ; frequent).
ARACEiE. — Avoids.
ARrsJEMA — Indian Turnip. Triphyllum — Jack-in-the-Pulpit- Dracontium
— Green Dragon. Peltandra. Virginica. Acorus, or Sweet Flag.
Calamus — Calamus root.
LEMNACEiE. — Duchneats.
TYPHACE M.—Tryshads.
Typha — Cat-tail. Latifolia — Reed-mace. Sparganium — Burr Reed.
NAIADACiE — Naiads.
Naias. Potamogeton. Natans — Pond Weed. Ponds. Frequent.
ALISMACEAC — Water Plantains.
Altsma — Plantago — Water Plantain. Sagittaria — Arrowhead. Varia-
bilis.
HYDROCHARIDACEiE.
limnobium — Frog’s Bit. Anacharis— Ditch Moss.
ORCHID ACEvE — Orchids.
Orchis Habenaria — Cilaris. Goodyera — Rattlesnake. Repens — Plan¬
tain. Pendula. Pogomiro. Pulchellus — Grass-Pink. Liparis —
Tway-blade. Lillifolia. Corallorhiza — Corabroot. Odontorhiza.
Aplectrum — Adam-and Eve, or Putty-root. Cyripedium — Lady’s
Slipper. Pubescens — Large, yellow Lady’s Slipper.
AMARYLLIDACEJS — Amaryllids.
Pancratium — Rotatum. Agave or American- Aloe — Aloe. Virginica.
Hypoxys — Star Grass.
IRIDACE M—Irids.
Iris — Flower de Luce. Versicolor. Blue Flag. Pardanthus — Black¬
berry Lily. Sisyrynchium— Blue-eyed Grass. Bermudiana — Moist
prairies, &c. Common.
DIOSCOREACEJE.
Disocorea — Villosa. Wild Yam. Rich woods. Frequent.
SMILACEJC.
Smilax — Greenbrier Sarsaparilla. Rotundifolia. Rich woods. Infrequent-
Var. Quadrangularis. From St. Clair and Wabash counties south¬
ward. Glauca — Woods. Springfield, Vasey ; and southward.
Tamnoides — Thickets. Jackson county, French; and southward.
Hispida. Rich Woods. Frequent. Herbacea — Carrion-Flower.
Woods and open places along streams.
LILIACEyE — Lilyworts.
Trillium — Wake-robin. Sessile — Moist woods. Kankakee county, Hill ;
Wabash, Schneck. Rare. Recurvatum — Rich woods. Common.
Erectum — Var. Album— Bath-flower. Rich woods. Smilacina —
False Solomon’s Seal. Polygonatum — True Solomon’s Seal. Lili-
um — Lily. Philadelphicum. Prairies. Common. Canadense —
Yellow Lily. Moist prairies. Infrequent. ErytaroniumAlbidum —
White Erithriricum. Moist rich woods. Common. Scilla — Squill
Fraseri — Low praries. Common. Ullium — Garlic Onion.
JUN C ACE JE — Rushes.
Luzula — Campestris — Field Rush. Juncus — Rush.
PONTEDERIACEiE.
Heteranthera — Aquatic. Reniformis-
COMMELYNACEAE.
Commelyna. Tradescantia — Spiderwort.
CYPERACEiE.
Cyperus — Sedge. ' Diandrus. Inflexus. Acuminatus. Phymatodes. Stri-
gosus. Ovularis. Kyllingia — Green flowers. Pumila. Eleo-
c haris — Spiked Rush. Obtusa. Palustris. Tenuis. Acicularis.
Scirpus — Club-Rush, Bullrush. Validus — Our stoutest Bullrush.
Atro virens. Lineatus. Eriophorum. Corniculata. Carex. Vulpinoi-
dea. Crus-corvi. Conjuncta. Cephaloidea. Cephalophora. Rosea.
Retroflexa. Straminea. Shortiana. Granularis. Conoidea. Grisea.
Davisii. Triceps. Digitalis. Laxiflora. Pennsylvanica. Debilis.
Comosa. Lupulina.
GRAMINEiE — Grasses Cut Gi-ass. False Rice.
Leersia. Virginica. Oryzoides. Lenticularis — Catch-fly Grass. Phleum
— Cat-tail grass, Timothy. Vilfa. Aspera. Vagimeflora. Spo-
robolus — Drop-seed grass. Heterolepis. Agrostis — Bent grass.
Perennans. Scabra — Rough-hair grass. Vulgaris — Red Top. Cinna
— Sweet Reed grass. Calamagrostis — Blue-joint. Aristida —
Beard grass, Poverty. Spartina — Cord grass. Botteloua —
Musket grass. Eleusine — Crab grass. Tricuspis — F alse Red Top.
Seslerioides. Dactylis — Orchard grass. Glomerata. Kceleria.
Eatonia. Pennsylvanica. Melica. Glyceria — Manna grass.
Nervata. Fluitans. Poa — Spear grass, Meadow grass. Compressa
— Blue grass. Serotina — Foul Meadow. Pratensis — June grass.
Festuca. Tenella — Slender T. Nutans — Nodding F. Bromus —
Cheat or Chess. Uniola — Union grass Latifolia. Phragmites
— Reed. Communis. Arundinaria — Cane. Macrosperma. Tecta.
Hordeum — Barley. Jubatum — Squirrel Tail. Elymus — Wild Rye.
Panicum — Panic grass. Capillare. Virgatum. Latifolium. Clan-
destinum. Microcarpon. Pauciflorum. Dichotomum. Crus-galli.
Setaria — Bristly, Foxtail. Glauca — Bottle grass. Viridis — Wild
Timothy. Cenchrus. Tribuloides — Burr grass. Tripsacum —
Sesame. Andropogon. Furcatus — Forked Spike. Scoparius —
Brown grass. , (Common). Virginicus. Sorghum — Brown corn
Nutans — Indian G. (Common in dry goods).
48
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
EQU I SETACE JE.
Equisetum — Scouring Rush.
FILICES. — Ferns.
Adiantum — Maiden hair Fern. Pedatum. (Rich woods. Common).
Ptekis Aquilina— Common Brake. (Copses. Common;. Cheilanthes
— Lip Fern- Vestita. (Rocks. St. Clair County, Brendel ; and south¬
ward). Lanuginosa. Clefts of rocks. Near Galena, Brendel ; Pike
County, Mead ; Jackson, French). Pell/EA. Atropurpurea. (On
dry rocks. Infrequent). Asplenium. Pinnatifidum. (On rocks.
Jackson and Union Counties, French ; Pope, Schneck). Tricho-
raanes — Dwarf Spleen wort. Aspidium — Shield Fern. Cystopteris
— Bladder Fern. Onoclea. Sensibilis — Sensitive Fern. (Wet
Places. Common.) Woodsia — Rock Pally pod. Obtusa. Virgini-
cum — Rattle-snake Fern. (Rich woods. Frequent). Ophioglos-
sum — Adder’s ToDgue.
CHAPTER XII.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
BY REV. DAVID SPRECHER.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH— HISTORY OF PRES¬
BYTERIANISM — HISTORY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CARBONDALE —
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GRAND TOWER— MURPHYSBORO’ PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH— HISTORY OF METHODISM— OAK GROVE METHODIST CHURCH— METHO¬
DIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO' — HISTORY OF M. E. CHURCH SOUTH
— SKETCH OF BAPTIST CHURCH — HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CHRISTIAN CHURCH —
HISTORY OF CATHOLIC CHURCH -SKETCH OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF MUR¬
PHYSBORO’.
“ No pope, no pope, to doom to hell !”
The Protestant rang out a bell ;
“ Great Luther left his fiery zeal,
Within the hearts that truly fefl
That loyalty to God will be
The fealty that makes men free.
No images where incense fell!”
Rang out old Martin Luther’s bell.
HE first man who ministered to the scattered Lutherans of Jack-
#1 son county was Rev. Daniel Scherer. He resided in Hillsboro’,
HI., and would make occasional missionary tours as far south as
Jonesboro’.
Rev. E. B. Omstead, commenced his labors in Union and Pulaski
Counties in 1838, and near the same time commenced preaching in Jackson
and in 1843 organized Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, at what was
known as Hall’s S. H., a short distance west of where the church now
stands. Mr. Omstead continued to serve this church until October, 1847.
The original record has been lost, but the deficiency has been supplied by
Mr. B. F. Will. Among the original members, Hon. Peter Will and his
wife, and a number of their childreu, Daniel Will, Sr., and wife, John G.
Griffith and wife, were, without doubt, in the first organization ; all the
older members have gone, as we trust, to the Church triumphant.
The following is a list of the names of the original members of Zion’s
Evangelical Lutheran Church : Hon. Peter Will, Mrs. Mary Will, John
Will, Garrett Will, Mrs. Rebecca Holiday, Mrs. Harriet Griffith, John
Griffith, Mrs. Rebecca Schutz, Daniel Will, Sr., Mrs. Mary Will, Mrs. Mary
Kimmel.
Rev. E. B. Omsted resigned his work here in the fall of 1847. The
following sketch will tell why, etc. :
“ Omsted, Pulaski Co., III., July 19, 1877.
Rev. D. Sprecher, —
Dear Bro. : Your postal card of the 9th has been received. I regret ex¬
ceedingly that I have no record of the Lutheran Church, which I organized
in the Will settlement in Jackson County. ... I lived at Jonesboro’,
and had charge also of St. John’s and Union, in Union County, and of Mt.
Pisgah, in Pulaski, which latter 1 organized. I must have organized the
Jackson County Church, about 1843.
The cause of my connection with the Presbyterians was this : There was a
small church of that denomination at Murphysboro’, supplied statedly, but
infrequently, I think by the Rev. Mr. Bird, lately deceased. It was thought
that the two churches with one supply could get aid from the American
H. M. Society. I was encouraged by several members to attend the
meeting of Alton Presbytery at Montealton, with that object in view. I
presented the matter ; but the plan did not meet with favor, because it was
alleged that the Lutheran Church has a H. M. Society of her own. I
was invited to unite with them. I felt very solitary, and was discouraged,
from the fact that no Lutheran minister was nearer to me than 140 miles ;
and then, too, my ignorance of the German language unfitted me for the
work in the Lutheran body, much more so than it would now. Under these
circumstances, I obtained a dismissal from the President of the Synod of the
West, Rev. F. Springer, and united with the Alton Presbytery at Jackson¬
ville, on the 22d of October, 1847 — the Synod of Illinois being in session
then and there.” Mr. Omsted further adds: “I am not estranged from the
Lutheran Church ; I revere the memory of the great and noble man whose
name she bears, and I approve her doctrines and government. The Synod
made a mistake when they sent me with my youth and inexperience to the
wilderness of Southern Illinois.
But we have the assurance that all shall work together for good, to them
that love God. I often think of the men with whom I was associated in the
ministry in the Lutheran Church, — the Jenkins Brother, Scherer, Springer,
Trimper, Miller, Lemanowski. and Abraham Rick, a man of God, who was
my theological instructor. Some have ceased from their labors and have
gone to their reward. May the blessing of heaven rest upon those who yet
live.
I studied at Pennsylvania College, probably three years; came West from
Pennsylvania, of which I am a native, in 1836; studied with A. Rick at
Indianapolis, and was licensed by the Synod of the West, at Corydon, Ind.,
October, 1838, and ordained by the same body, at Hillsboro’, Ill., October
1839. From October, 1838, to October, 1847, I preached to Lutheran
Churches in Union and Jackson Counties. Since then, with the exception
of four years’ services as pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church,' in Bond
County, I have labored in this county. But wherever I am, or whatever I
may be, I will cherish the memory of the venerable Peter Will and his ex¬
cellent wife, and the Griffiths, and the Kimmels, and Phineas Hall and his
family, whose hospitality I have often enjoyed.
Your brother in Christ,
E. B. Omsted.”
I have given a full extract from Mr. Omsted’s letter, so that all who knovv
him might see how kindly he seems disposed to the old church. God bless
him and his evermore.
There seems to have been a vacancy for 18 months, when Rev. John
Krack commenced his labors in the spring of 1849, and served until the fall
of 1851, possibly a little longer. The corner-stone of Zion’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church was laid, Saturday, October 19, 1850. At this meeting
the following ministers were present: Rev. J. Krack, Pastor; Rev. J.
Wood, N. S. Presbytery ; Rev. Mr. Walls, M. E. Church.
Mr. Krack was a good man, of considerable pulpit ability, preaching with
almost equal ease in German or English. I think he was born in Germany,
is still living, and must be near ninety years old. He was pastor, a second
time, of this church. Rev. D. Jenkins took charge in the spring of 1851,
and from the records seems to have retired in 1854. After resigning this
charge, he located in Union County, Illinois. Then the Rev. Mr. Sloop, of
Virginia, labored here three months, when he was compelled to resign in
consequence of severe affliction, which finally terminated in mental derange¬
ment and premature death. Then Rev. J. Krack returned, and served this
field perhaps two years, during which time the parsonage, a large and com¬
fortable house for the times, was built, and just when it was finished he re¬
tired from this charge, when the Rev. E. Schwartz received and accepted a
call from Zion’s Church. He moved his family from Hillsboro’, Ill., in the
fall of 1859, and served this church in connection with the De Soto Church
five years, when he retired.
Rev. C. Thomas was successor to Rev. E. Schwartz at the end of his first five
years service in this pastorate, and continued in the pastoral work for two
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
49
years. He must have commenced in 1866, and resigned in 1868. The
churches all seemed to prosper under his faithful labors. It was during his
term of service that the Twin church, (now the Mt. Joy church) was organ¬
ized, 5i miles west of Murphysboro’. He was deservedly popular, and is
held in high esteem in all the congregations. In 1868 Rev. H. M. Brewer
accepted a call to this charge, and remained two years. Rev. E. K. Baker
took charge in 1871, and remained one year.
In August, 1872, Rev. E. Schwartz took charge of the De Soto pastorate,
and served two years, and in January 1st, 1875, and served as faithfully
as the state of his health would permit one year.
After Mr. H. left, the church was vacant a short time. In March, 1866,
Rev. D. Sprecher, the present incumbent, took charge. He is a native of
Virginia, and was born May 25, 1825; spent some time at the Virginia
Institute, then spent several years at Springfield, Ohio, in Wittenberg Col¬
lege, and was licensed to preach March, 1852, by the Wittenberg Synod of
Ohio, and ordained in 1853 by the same body; and he has consequently
been in the ministry more than twenty-five years.
The members constituting Zion’s Church, have, in the main, come from
Pennsylvania, and amongst these we find many of the best men of Jackson
County. The Wills are a prosperous class of people; so with the Kimmels,
and Reimans, and Heiples, and Millhouses, and Frudlines. They have made
these churches what they are ; Zion was the mother church, and was much
stronger before the others — De Soto, Mt. Joy, Murphysboro’, and Oakland
were organized. Zion was organized before De Soto was built or the I. C.
R. R. was constructed. Now it would be better were the church in the Will
settle ment, or Bousher neighborhood, as De Soto is only about three miles
distaut, has a church, and this has taken from Zion much valuable material.
HISTORY OF MT. CALVARY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH,
located at DeSoto, Jackson County, Illinois. This church was organized,
July 21, 1855, by Rev. I. Short.
Hir am Millhouse was appointed the first Elder and James Hays the first
Deacon. This church was a colony from the mother church, Zion ; and
among the original name3 we find prominent the Millhouses, Heiples, and
Walkers. Alexander Mostoller and Mrs. Catharine Mostoller, Jesse Dunn
and Mrs. Maria Dunn, Henry Chitty and Mrs. Chitty, Mrs. Catharine
Alexander and others constituted the principal members.
During the early history of this congregation they worshipped in the
School-house and in the M. E. Church, and for several years in the brick
church ; they then determined to have a home of their own.
But we have anticipated events and hence must return. Rev. I. Short
served them for probably one y^ir ; the record fails to state the exact time.
After this the organization united with Zion’s Church, and constituted a pas¬
toral charge from that time, the same minister served both churches. The
next in order was Rev. Mr. Sloop, who, in consequence of ill-health, resigned
and returned to Virginia, after spending only three months in the charge
and soon after died.
Then the Rev. J. Knack served one year. 'Then Rev. E. Schwartz served
five years, and during this period a strong effort was made to build a house
of worship, much of the material was on the grounds. The site selected to
build on, was near the old S. House on the west side of the railroad, but
some unfortunate misunderstanding arising, the undertaking failed, and
Rev. C. Thomas was elected his successor, who served two years. After Mr.
T. closed his labors here, Rev. Mr. Hill Brewer, served the church two years.
Then Rev. E. K. Baker, served them one year, from 1871 to 1872. Then
Rev. E. Schwartz was recalled to the charge in 1872, and served two years.
During this second term of service, the beautiful little frame church on the
east side of the railroad was built, at a cost of about $4,000, and every dollar
paid. The corner stone was laid November 22d, 1873.
The church was dedicated April 12th, 1874. Rev. C-' S. Sprecher, of
Dongola, preaching the consecration Bermon.
Mr. Sprecher, closed his labors as pastor August 1874. Then in Jan.
1875, Rev. A. R. Hight, took charge and served one year, closing Jan. 1st,
1876. In Feb. 1876, Rev. D. Sprecher, then engaged as Evangelist, by the
Synod of Southern Illinois, spent three weeks in a protracted effort, which
united the church, and added fourteen members-
THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO’, ILLINOIS.
The First Lutheran Church of Murphysboro’ , Ill., was organized by Revs.
C. Thomas, H. M. Brewer, and D. Sprecher conjointly, on the 29th of De¬
cember, 1867. At its organization there were but six members who united
in it, viz.: George Kennedy, Hiram Millhouse, Peter Millhouse, J. N- Dodge,
Mary Dodge, and Benjamin Speath. The officers-elect were : Hiram Mill-
house and J. N. Dodge, Elders ; and George Kennedy and Peter Millhouse,
Deacons. The church was for some time after its organization, as well as
previously, visited and supplied, as a mission point, by Rev. C. Thomas, in
connection with the De Soto charge, of which he was then pastor. Through
the great kindness of the M. E. congregation, the services of the Lutheran
church were held in their house of worship until about May, 1869, when the
pastoral care of the De Soto charge was resigned by Rev. C. Thomas. A
call was soon afterwards extended to Rev. H. M. Brewer to become the pas¬
tor of said charge, during which pastoral relation, extending to April, 1871,
the Murphysboro’ church was supplied, as before, and was then considered a
part of the De Soto charge. In April, 1871, the DeSoto pastorate, being
large, determined to divide and form two pastorates, the De Soto and the
Murphysboro’ pastorates. Mr. Brewer then accepted a call to the latter
charge, and his pastoral relation to the same continued until April, 1873,
when the connection was again severed, and he was called to some other
field
Previous to the division of the De Soto charge, the congregation at Mur¬
physboro’ decided to undertake the erection of a house of worship. Through
their efficient labors, with Dr. F. C. Bierer as financial agent, sufficient means
(about $1,400) was soon secured to begin the work of building. The work
was successfully prosecuted by the efforts of this little band of Christians,
almost alone, and on the 28th day of July, 1871, the substantial brick struc¬
ture, now known as the First Lutheran Church of Murphysboro’, was
solemnly dedicated to the service of the Triune God. Rev. Francis Springer,
D.D., was present and preached the dedicatory sermon, and assisted in the
consecration of the church. The entire cost of the church, including the
cost of the bell, was $2,910. At the time of its cousecration there rested
upon this church a debt of more than $1,300, which remained until the spring
of 1875, when by a noble effort of the members, among whom were most
prominent Dr. F. C. Bierer, Messrs. Stephen A. Holliday, George Kennedy,
and Martin A. Ross, in connection with Rev. T. Earnheart, then pastor, the
entire debt was liquidated, and the church placed upon a safe financial basis.
The sum of $110 was also liberally contributed by the Gephart family, of
Dayton, Ohio. No aid was received from the Missionary Board.
After the resignation of H. M. Brewer, Rev. T. Earnheart was chosen pas¬
tor. He began his labors in September, 1873. Owing to his inability to
continue preaching, by reason of a disease of the throat, he tendered his
resignation as pastor on September 1st, 1876. The church remained vacant
but a few months, when Rev. Adolphus L. Yount was chosen as pastor, and
assumed the duties of his office on the 11th of February, 1877. He was born
near Hickory, Catawba county, N. C., J uly 28th, 1851. A course of instruc¬
tion preparatory to entering college was afforded him at “ Hickory Prepara¬
tory Institute,” and “ Catawba High School,” Newton, N. C., covering a
period of about three years. He then entered North Carolina College, and
received the degree of “Artium Baccalaurei ” in May, 1876. He attended a
partial course of instruction in theology at the “ Evangelical Lutheran Theo¬
logical Seminary, at Philadelphia, Pa.,” after which he began his labors in
the ministry of the gospel, as above noted, and continues at the present time
in the discharge of the duties of his office as pastor at Murphysboro’. This
completes the list of the pastors cf the Murphysboro’ church.
Since the organization of the congregation there have been connected with
it eighty-seven members by letter and confirmation ; five ha^re been removed
by death, twelve have been dismissed by certificate to other churches, leaving
seventy names still on the record, some of whom have moved, away without
severing their connection with the congregation, whose names still remain.
There are recorded twelve infant baptisms in the congregation. The church
has connected with it a large and prosperous Sunday-school.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH AT
OAKLAND, JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
This Church was organized in the fall of 1871, by Rev. E. K. Baker.
We find in the original list, the names of Martin Whipkey, Mrs. Isabella
Whipkey, John P. King, Mrs. Amanda King, Abraham Howard, Mrs. Mary
Ann Howard, Joseph Heiple, Mrs. Charlotte Heiple, John Heiple, Jonathan
Heiple, Mrs. Mary Ann Freidline, N. C. C. M’Clain, Mrs- Elizabeth
McClain, Daniel Fagley, Mrs. Mary Ann Fagley, &c., 20 or 22 names. Mr.
50
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, , ILLINOIS.
Baker served this congregation one year, and was highly esteemed by the
membership. The church was named Oakland, from the school-house in
which they worshiped then, and do now. Rev. E. Schwartz, served this
church two years, after which, Rev. A. R. Height, one year. After Mr. H-
retired from the field, the church was vacant for a few months ; during this
time, Rev. D. Sprecher, then employed by the Synod of southern Illinois, as
Evangelist, spent some days preaching for this church, which resulted in
three accessions to the church, and in March, 1876, Rev. D. Sprecher took
charge of the Oakland congregation in connection with the other churches
constituting the De Soto charge. His relations with this church have been
pleasant, and the Oakland people are making constant progress, not increas¬
ing in membership much, as those who have died, have reduced the list as
much as those added, have increased it. They have for years maintained a
Sunday school, on the union plan, and have had much the best school the
past year, they have ever had, using the lesson leaves. Mr. Martin Whip-
key is the present efficient Superintendent and is deservedly popular. The
location of Oakland is about four miles east of De Soto. Mr. S. is still pas¬
tor of this church, Nov. 15, 1877.
MT. JOY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This church was organized Sept 5, 1868, by the Rev. C. Thomas, and was
named Twin Church, from the title of the school-house in which the organi¬
zation was effected.
John Reiman a
and v Elders.
Wm. Heiple, )
Thomas Evans \
and j- Deacons.
Alexander Imhoof )
There were more members in the original church, than any other Lutheran
church hitherto formed in Jackson county — 38 in all.
During Rev. H. M. Brewer’s administration, this church erected a good
house of worship, at an expense of $1200. The house was consecrated July
2d, 1869. The name was changed to Mt. Joy, about the time the house or
church was erected. This church supports a Sunday-school and uses the
Lesson Leaves. Mr. John Reiman, is Superintendent.
On the 19th of August, 1877, this church organized a Missionary Benefi¬
cent Society, to meet the wants of the church in her financial operations.
This association meets with public favor.
John Reiman, Pres.
George Holiday, Sec.
John Wayman, Treas.
The sketches of the history of the several Lutheran churches in Jackson
County, Illinois, are of necessity imperfect. Rev. A. L. Yount, has kindly
furnished a history of the church, of which he is pastor.
In the years which have passed large numbers united with the several
churches. Many of these have died, others united with other denominations,
many have eitaigrated west, and yet there remain nearly 250 members in
the English-sp^king Churches of the county.
Of the twelve names kindly furnished by Mr. B. F. Will, son of the late
Hon. Peter Will, as the persons who were the original members of Zion’s
church, only two survive, Mrs. Mary Kimmel, wife of Judge Kimmel, and
John Will. I cannot close this sketch without a word of commendation of the
noble service rendered Zion’s church by Judge Phil. Kimmel, who united
with the church under the Rev. Mr. Omstead, upwards of thirty years
ago. He has been an office bearer, has often represented the church in
Synod as Lay delegate, and in keeping the house in order, and in the work
of the Sunday-school and seeing after the comfort of the minister’s family.
He stands the peer of his fellow-members. Soon the Master will say, “ Well
done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
In these churches there are a goodly number who are helpers in the church
work, and will be kindly remembered by all who have served them in the
responsible relation of pastor. Permit me then to close. Numerous other
duties must serve as an apology for the imperfections in the history here¬
with presented.
HISTORY OF PRESBYTERIANISM.
“ Farewell ! farewell! base world, farewell !
In touching tones exclaimed a bell ;
Life is a boon, to mortals given,
To fit the soul for bliss in heaven ;
Do not invoke the avenging rod,
Come here and learn the way to God :
Say to the world, farewell ! farewell !
Pealed forth the Presbyterian bell.”
The history of Presbyterianism in our County embraces the histories of
four organizations, as given below. Ministers of this influential denomina¬
tion undoubtedly passed through the county prior to the period when an ec¬
clesiastical society of this faith was organized at Murphysboro’, and preached
to the people the sublime truths of the sacred word, but no authentic records
are to be found until that time. The disciples of Christ who accept the in¬
terpretation of the Scriptures given by John Calvin, of Geneva, certainly
cannot be accused of lukewarmness in spreading the Gospel to the inhabi¬
tants of earth, wherever they are to be found, in crowded city, in forest or on
plain. Soon after the primeval forest began to bow before the echoing axe
of the settler, there appeared an evangelist of this creed to speak consoling
words to his heart and point him from his home of danger to a place of rest
and security in the skies.
The Presbyterian will find much of which to be proud, and for which to
be thankful, in the annals of his church, as related in the following pages.
He will also have reason for regret that this large County, containing a pop¬
ulation of 25,000, has but three churches of his faith.
historical sketch of the first fresbyterian church of carbon-
dale.
By Col. D. H. Brush.
In November, 1852, the town of Carbondale was laid upon the line of the
Illinois Central Rail Road, then in course of construction. Col. Brush, As-
gill Conner, and Dr. William Richart, had selected the site of the town.
Upon suggestion of Col- Brush, not at that time a member of aDy church,
four lots were set apart for the use of that number of Christian denominations
(one to each) that might first desire to build houses of worship, and these
were designated upon the plat, “as reserved for churches,” such lots being
situated severally in each quarter of the town, equi-distant from its centre —
the Public Square.
The condition annexed to the donation and dedication of the lots was en¬
tered upon the plat in the following words : “ The lots donated to churches
as marked on this plat, are not to vest in said churches until a house of wor¬
ship shall be erected thereon of stone, brick, or frame, worth at least Five
Hundred Dollars, and then to vest in fee simple in such church.” Rev. Jo-
siah Wood, a Presbyterian minister residing in Murphysboro’, preached the
first sermon in Carbondale in December, 1852. At the same time acting for
and on behalf of the Presbyterian Church, made choice of lot No. 59, being
the one in the north-western quarter of the town, reserved for church purposes
as aforesaid. A subscription paper was drawn up and circulated, and some
money secured, for the erection of a Presbyterian Church building upon the
lot.
On the 13th of February, 1854, Rev. Josiah Wood, assisted by Rev. Ro¬
bert Stewart, of Greenville, Illinois, organized the “-First Presbyterian
Church of Carbondale,” the members being Rowland R. Brush, Frances E.,
his wife, Dr. William Richart, and Elizabeth, his wife, and Almira Dough¬
ty. Rowland R. Brush was elected Elder. In April following the church
was taken in care by the Alton Presbytery. From this time on, for several
years, the infant church had the varied experiences incident to new churches
in the wilderness : having no regular preaching, nor place of worship. Oc¬
casionally a minister would come and dispense the word of truth, perchance
under a green tree of the forest, or in some friendly carpenter’s shop, or room
of a private house of small dimensions.
The first regularly ordained minister of the Presbyterian church who
came to reside in Carbondale was the Rev. Josiah Wood, who has been pre¬
viously mentioned. He came soon after the town was laid out, and remained
several years. In the year 1856 Rev. William S. Post came and officiated
as a minister to the church, and about three years afterwards as superin¬
tendent and principal of the “ Carbondale College,” an educational institu¬
tion started under the auspices of the Presbytery of Alton.
HISTORY OF JACKSON CO UNI Y, ILLINOIS.
51
No active steps were taken towards the erection of a house of worship,
other than the selection of the lot and obtaining of subscriptions, as afore¬
said, until September 1st, 1856, when trustees of the church were chosen, to
wit: R. R. Brush, William Richart, Robert H. Marron, Alfred Singleton
James M. Campbell, Henry Sanders and Daniel H. Brush. The newly
elected trustees immediately held a meeting and unanimously concurred,
in the choice of lot 59, as aforesaid, for church purposes ; and it then ap¬
pearing that a considerable amount had been subscribed towards the erec¬
tion of a house, it was ordered that a commencement in that direction should
be made. William Richart, James M. Campbell and Daniel H. Brush
were appointed a committee to superintend the work. A plan for a building
of wood, 50 by 36 feet on the ground, 18 feet between floor and ceiling, was
submitted and adopted, and its erection begun.
In the fall of 1856, Mr. Wm. H. Adams removed with his family from
New Plymouth, Ohio, to Carbondale, and together with his wife and eldest
son, Albert, joined the church. In November following he was chosen
Elder. There were some other additions to the church, by profession of
faith, and letter, during the two years previous to July, 1859, Rev. W. S.
Post officiating. On July 12th, 1859, the house of worship, commenced in
1856, after many delays and much struggling to obtain the needed means,
was completed to the satisfaction of the trustees ; was accepted by the board,
and the committee on erection, under whose superintendence the work had
been done, was discharged. The total amount expended in building and
furnishing the church, including heating-furnace, bell and lamps, was three
thousand six hundred and forty-two dollars and fifty-two cents ($3,642.52),
of which sum five hundred dollars had been borrowed from the Presbyterian
Church Erection Fund, secured by a mortgage on the property; and over
two thousand dollars were owing to four persons, one only of whom was a
member of the church, for money advanced by them, without security, to
complete the building. The membership had increased to sixteen, of whom
ten were females.
On September 24th, the house of worship was formally and solemnly
dedicated to the service of Almighty God. At the same time the church
received an accession of five persons by letter, and of two upon profession
of faith.
On the 18th of December following Daniel H. Brush and Samuel I. Bart¬
lett were elected and ordained ruling elders. The church continued to grow
steadily during the next year, and Rev- W- S. Post continued to officiate as
minister. The attendance was good, and money to pay his salary and the
current expenses of the church was raised from the congregation, many not
members contributing liberally ; but no payments were made upon the in¬
debtedness of the church. Such was the condition of the church when the
great rebellion of the people of the South against the national governmrnt
was inaugurated.
The sparks that touched the powder off in that confederate gun at Charles¬
town harbor,
“ Flashed like a streak of lightning up across, from east to west,
' And left a spot that burned like fire in every patriot’s breast.”
A call was made for volunteers, and a company was formed in Carbondale,
pledged to three years’ service. The names of two elders and various active
members of the church went down upon the roll. Sadly but with brave
hearts they went forth against their erring brethren to battle for the right.
Some were slain in battle — some died a lingering death, from exposure and
disease — some returned maimed by rebel bullets, while no one of those who
at their country’s call entered the service came back unscathed. Henry A.
Watkins, one of the church members, an unassuming but brave man, on
Sabbath morning, April 6th, 1862, at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, when
a call was made for volunteers to bear the flag through the fight, stepped
forth with two other members of the Carbondale company as bearer of the
cherished flag, upon whose folds was inscribed, “ In God is our trust. A
missile brought death to him that day as also his two brothers, Clinton and
Taylor. Many of the best men of the congregation, not members of the
church, also enlisted, and the effect of the war was to very much retard the
growth and immediate prosperity of the church. Mr. Post continued his
ministrations in connection with his duties as Principal of “ Carbondale
College,” until August 1862, when, being elected chaplain of a new regiment
then organized, he too left the peaceful walks of life for the tented field.
After Mr. Post’s connection with the church terminated, a man by the
name of I. Russell Johnson, who took charge of the school in the college
building, for about one year, and who was under license of the Presbytery
of Alton, was permitted to occupy the pulpit which he continued to supply
until April 1864, when his license to preach having been revoked, the pul¬
pit was declared vacant. During the time of Mr. Johnson’s services in be¬
half of the church, he had been authorized to solicit and collect funds, if
possible, for the liquidation of tfie indebtedness. He collected the sum of
three hundred and fifty-five dollars, which together with some two hundred
dollars, received as rent for pews, was paid over to the creditors of the
church.
The church was without regular supply of the pulpit, from the time Mr.
Johnson ceased preaching therein, until the spring of 1865, when Rev. An¬
drew Luce of Belleville, Illinois, was employed and served as minister for
three years. Then he received a call from the Presbyterian church of
Rolla, Missouri, which he accepted.
During the ministrations of Mr. Luce the church prospered, thirty-three
members being added to the church. Services were regularly held and well
attended ; contributions for benevolent and charitable objects, and for the
support of missions were considerable, being systematically called for and
paid over, and in addition, money to pay the salary of preacher and for cur¬
rent expenses was liberally provided. The civil war having terminated in
favor of the union, and currency being abundant, the church enjoyed a sea¬
son of financial prosperity, such as was hitherto unknown, while other and
greater blessings from the great Giver of all good were not then withheld.
Earnest and persistent efforts were made to pay off the debt incurred in the
erection of the building, still in great part unsatisfied. The ladies of the
church and congregation, assisted by Rev. Nathan S. S. Bemau, D D., for
forty years pastor of a church in Troy, N. Y., then residing in Carbondale,
also assisted by our minister, Rev. A. Luce, and others, took the matter of
raising funds in hand, and at a meeting of the trustees of the church held
May 1st, 1868, for the purpose of ascertaining the amount gathered from
various sources, it was found that the total amount raised and collected,
footed up to one thousand fifty-three dollars and fifty cents. Col. D. H.
Brush, very generously consented to accept the sum of nine hundred and
fifty-three dollars in full for the church’s obligation for one thousand eight
hundred and ninety-three dollars and thirty-two cents. Wm. Richart held
the obligation of the church for four hundred and sixty-four dollars and
eighty-eight cents, which he cheerfully donated. The church further owed Mar¬
cus Titcheimer, assignee of H. Sanders, the sum of two hundred and eighty-
five dollars and four cents, for which he accepted one hundred dollars, and
gave up the obligation held. And thus were the debts of the Presbyterian
Church of Carbondale, amounting in all to two thousand six hundred and
forty-three dollars and twenty-four cents, satisfied. In addition to the fore¬
going, the sum of four hundred and twenty dollars was secured by Rev. Dr.
Beman, of which he himself gave two hundred and fifty dollars, to be ap¬
plied upon the debt still owing the church erection fund, it being understood
by our people, that the Church Erection Board, had abated three hundred
dollars of said debt, on condition that an annual collection should -be taken
by the church in behalf of said Board, and paid over until the amount of
said abatement should be reached. Thereupon it was considered, that tbe
incubus of financial embarrassment, that had rested heavily upon the church
for nine years, had been effectually removed, and the members and friends
of the church rejoiced, giving thanks to God for His merciful kindness, and
manifold blessings.
In the month of October, Rev. Edward Fish, now of Du Quoin, Ill., was
employed as pastor, at a salary of $1,000 per annum. He supplied the pul¬
pit three years, laboring actively for the spiritual and temporal interests of
the cburch, and to promote the prosperity of the Sabbath-school, which had
been early instituted in connection with the church, and had been success¬
fully kept in operation since the foundation of the church. The labors of
Mr. Fish were in a good degree successful, the attendance upon his ministra¬
tions was generally full, and the number of accessions was about equal to the
number added to the list during a like period of the history of the church.
During this time the church had been giving liberally to benevolent objects,
and for repairs upon building and for salary of minister. During the years
1869, ’70, and ’71 the church raised for all purposes $5,949.79.
In the fall of 1868, the church was called to mourn the loss of one of its
most trusted, active, useful members, Dr. William Richart, a most useful,
consistent, and devoted Christian, large-hearted, ever ready to assist any
benevolent enterprise, and especially munificent, alway, in aid of the church
of his choice. But a short time before his death he donated and conveyed
by deed to this church one-half acre of ground for a “ Presbyterian” bury-
ing-place, where he elected to be, and was interred.
52
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
At the end of the third year of service by Mr. Fish, he accepted a call
from Du Quoin to the Presbyterian Church in that city, to which he re¬
moved.
In January, 1872, the Rev. John L. Hawkins was engaged to supply the
pulpit from the 1st of February to the 31st of December of that year. He
has been continued as pastor from that, time to the present, and most ac¬
ceptably has he filled his relation and performed his duties to the church.
He has labored effectively to promote the best interests of the people under
his charge The effect has been seen in the increased attendance upon the
regular services and interest in the cause of religion. During his labors
fifty persons have been added to the church rolls. True, the completion of
the Southern Illinois Normal University, and the putting in successful
operation of that educational institution, has brought to Carbondale Profes¬
sors employed therein, and others, Presbyterians before, whose membership
with the church has so much strengthened it, yet, doubtless, much of the in¬
crease may justly be attributed to the zeal and ability of the present vener¬
able pastor in presenting the great truths of religion and the claims of a
loving Saviour to the minds and hearts of men.
The financial troubles that have affected so injuriously all portions of our
country during the past four years have not been without influence upon col¬
lections by the church. Less money has been raised than in other and more
prosperous times, nevertheless each year has brought with it contributions to
benevolent purposes. The Church Erection Fund has not been forgotteu ; but
in fulfilment of the promise made, a collection has been forwarded each year
in aid of that fund. In July, 1872, a communication was received from Rev.
H. R. Wilson, Corresponding Secretary of the Church Erection Fund Board,
claiming there were still due the sum of 8262.39, and making the proposition
that if the church would pay in cash 8104.98, they would remit the remain¬
der of the claim, and that in the future, if their overture was accepted, all
collections in aid of the fund would be considered as donations. The pro¬
position was laid before the church and accepted ; and soon after 8105 were
forwarded to Rev. Nathan Lane, Treasurer of said board. This was done ;
and the First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale was at last entirely out of
debt. Some further correspondence was had between the Secretary of the
Church and the Secretary of the Board of Erection. A misunderstanding
existed as to the surrender of the obligation held against the church ; but all
was settled amicably. The church has had yearly collections taken for this
fund, and soon the amount remitted by the board will have been exceeded
by these collections.
Col. D. H. Brush, believing in the principle of rotation in office, resigned
his office as ruling elder, which he had held since 1859, in June, 1870. This
was accepted in July, and the same day the church declared by resolution
that thereafter the term of service of elders to be elected should be three
years. They proceeded then to the election of two elders, one to serve for
three years, and one for two ; also to the election of two deacons. Edwin P.
Purdy and Davis N. Hamilton were chosen elders for two and three years
respectively ; and Thomas Brown and Charles C- Lawrence were chosen
deacons. Mr. Lawrence declined thi office ; the others were solemnly or¬
dained, and have been continued in office ever since.
The whole membership of the church has been 156. The number remain¬
ing on the roll is 79.
The following named persons constitute the Board of Trustees : Davis N.
Hamilton, President of Board ; Isaac Rapp, O. Barbour, J. M. Richart, Col.
Daniel H. Brush, Secretary of Board.
This church has exerted great influence for good in the past, and doubt¬
less will be a power for good in the time to come.
FIK8T PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GRAND TOWER.
For the data of the following article we are indebted to the very efficient
pastor of the church, Rev. J. G. Butler.
The first services leading to the gathering of a Presbyterian church in
Grand Tower, were held in the office of the Grand Tower Mining, Manufac¬
turing and Transportation Company, in the year 1868. The services were
conducted by the only Ruling Elder in the place, Mr. John Baird.
At about the same time a Sunday-school was organized, and its sessions
were held in the new building on the river bank, just below the furnaces,
known as “ The Furnace Office.”
In 1868 a large church edifice was commenced on the premises now occu¬
pied. It was destined never to be finished and never to be occupied. A
smaller building, for social meetings and for Sabbath-school, was begun,
however, at the same time, and this, more fortunate than its more pretentious
neighbor, reached completion. In this all the services of the church and
Sabbath- school were held until the present building was erected.
On April 11, 1870, a meeting was held at which a mutual agreement was
entered into by several individuals to stand together and form a nucleus,
around which, if possible, a congregation might be gathered.
On May 1, 1870, Rev. A- T. Norton, D. D., of Upper Alton, Ill., and Rev.
J. D. Barstow, came to Grand Tower by direction of the Presbytery of Alton,
and organized the present church, with eighteen members, giving it the name
“ First Presbyterian Church of Grand Tower.” At tbe same time Mr.
M. T. Bennett, Jr., Mr. John Stevens, Jr., and Mr. Abner B. Parmalee
were ordained and installed Elders over the new organization. The church
was first under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery of Alton, but when the
Presbytery of Cairo was formed, it was transferred by the action of the Synod
of Illinois South to control of the latter.
On May 27 (the same month) Mr. J. G. Butler came to Grand Tower,
and preached to this church and congregation the two following Sabbaths.
This visit led to a call for his pastoral services, which was accepted. The
relation thus established between the youthful organization and minister con¬
tinues until this day. The present neat and comfortable church edifice, which
is an ornament to the town, was built during the year 1871. The old barn¬
like, unfinished structure, previously mentioned, was torn down, and this
erected in its place, at a cost of about 85,000. This beautiful temple of reli¬
gion was opened for the worship of God on Sabbath, Jan. 28, 1872.
THE MURPHYSBORO’ PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The history of Presbyterianism in Jackson County, would be incomplete
without mention were made of this church, which was organized at the county
seat as far back as the year 1845 or ’46. It was the first society of the kind
of this denomination formed in the County. This church has, through the
operation of various causes, ceased to exist. The first minister was the Rev.
William Bird, now deceased. He is said to have been a man of earnestness,
who faithfully performed the duties of his calling, to the satisfaction of his
congregation. He was succeeded in his sacred office, by Rev. Josiah Wood,
who, also, has been called to his exceeding great reward. William M’Clure
and Dr. Latter, were two of the elders. Mr. Peter Boulby, was also one of
the church officers. This organization was under the control of the Presby¬
tery of Alton, which, at that time, had jurisdiction over the whole southern
part of the State. The society worshipped in the old log school-house,
which was situated just south of the house now occupied by Mr. Andrews,
Att’y-at-Law. Efforts were made to erect a church building which were not
crowned with success. Subscriptions were secured, sufficient to justify the
commencement of the building. A contract was made, and the work begun.
A large house was built, but never finished. It is still standing, and has been
used for various purposes, at one time as a saloon. The society had asked, and
received aid in building, from the Church Erection Fund of the Presbyterian
church, to secure which, the church gave a mortgage on building and lot.
The church struggled along against great obstacles, until about the outbreak
of the Great Rebellion, in 1860, when, being weakened by the leaving of
some members for the camp, it dissolved. The members united with other
churches, most of them connecting themselves with the Lutheran denomina¬
tion. In 1864, an effort was made by the Presbytery of Alton, to revive the
association, and old father Lippincott was appointed to visit Murphysboro’,
and see if so desirable an event could be brought to pass. The exertions of
this venerable man, were, however, unavailing.
HISTORY OF METHODISM.
By Rev. J. A. Robinson , D.D.
The Illinois Conference of the M. E. Church, appears first upon the records
in 1825. It then embraced all of Illinois, and more than half of the State of
Indiana. The Brownsville “ Circuit ” was formed in 1826. Brownsville
was then the county-seat of Jackson County. Among the ministers who la¬
bored in this circuit in an early day, we find the names of Josiah Patterson,
James Hadley, A. F. Thompson, J. E. French, W. L. Deneen, Isaac Barr.
All these have passed from labor to reward, except W. L. Deneen. These
ministers were men of talent, energy and heroism.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
53
In about 1835 or ’36, Brownsville Mission was absorbed in Kaskaskia and
Chester Mission. In 1842 the Murphysboro’ Circuit was formed. Among
the ministers appointed to this charge in its early history, we mention Lewis
Anderson, Charles Atkinson, F. H. Walls, A. F. Rodgers. These were the
pioneer ministers of this charge.
Mr. Anderson was transferred to the Baltimore Conference more than
twenty years ago. He was an earnest man, remarkable for his liberality in
the support of the benevolences of the church. Mr. Walls died in the itinera¬
cy. He was a true man, full of zeal and good works. Mr. Atkinson was
transferred to the Illinois Conference, and sustains to that conference a su¬
perannuated relation. He is a genial Irishman, a good thinker and ready
talker In his younger days he was witty and a master in repartee and irony.
He is of the class of men that where you find him to-day you are likely to
find him to-morrow.
Mr. Rodgers many years ago was granted a superannuated relation, and
removed outside the bounds of this conference, but for some years continued his
membership here. He had some difficulty in the church where he lived, and
finally lost his connection with this conference, and passed out of sight for
some years. He came to the surface a few years ago in the Illinois Confer¬
ence of the M. E. Church South, and is still a member of that conference.
He may be loyal to a “ Non-political church,” but formerly he was an un¬
compromising republican.
In 1853 the Carbondale Circuit was formed, taking part of the territory of
the Murphysboro’ Circuit until 1860. The following ministers were ap¬
pointed to the charge, T. C. Lopas, W. C. Huggins, J. R. Piercy, R. H.
Manier, J. H. Hill.
T. C. Lopas is a superannuated member of this conference, he is infirm with
age. In his vigor he was a man of talent. Through life he has lived above
reproa. h, but one thing is charged against him, and that is he is a bachelor. In
this, however, he stands with Asburry, the first bishop of the M. E. Church. ‘'If
community and the sex ” could pardon Asburry for this wrong, why not par¬
don Lopas? W. C. Huggins died in connection with the conference ; he was
a man of genial spirit, an earnest and successful worker. Carlisle Babbit
came to this conference by transfer from the Kentucky Conference. He la¬
bored faithfully until death. He is praised in the churches which he served
in the ministry. J. H. Hill entered the ministry in the Illinois Conference.
When the Southern Illinois Conference was formed he was a member, and
his name has been upon the effective list every year since that time. He is
an available man in any department of our work. It was said of Mr. Hill,
by a critic who made no pretensions to scholarship, that he was “ some in the
Hymn-Book,” those who have heard him sing will appreciate this compli¬
ment. Mr. Piercy, after traveling a few years, located. Mr. Manier was
out of the ministry for several years, but is now an effective member of the
conference.
In 1860 Carbondale was made a station. The following preachers have
been appointed to the station. C. Babbit, L. H. Morey, J. W. Lowe, E. Joy,
J. W. Lane, A. B. Nesbit, J. W. Grant, L. B. Dennis, S. Brooks, and H.
Sears. Mr. Joy is a native of Illinois. He entered the ministry in his youth,
and has been effective through all these years, and is still vigorous ; he is a
man of talent and moral worth. Mr. Lowe entered the ministry the year the
Southern Illinois Conference was formed, and has been an effective minister
in said conference ever since. He has labored extensively in this county in
the capacities of Circuit Preacher, Stationed Preacher, and Presiding Elder.
The result of his labors will be seen in eternity. J. W. Lane and J. W.
Grant, entered the ministry in this conference. They have been successful
laborers. Mr. Grant was transferred to the Texas Conference in 1876. He
too has labored extensively in this county as presiding elder and pastor, and
is remembered kindly by the people. Mr. Lane is still laboring in the con¬
ference, and is making his mark. Mr. Dennis and Mr. Brooks came to this
conference by transfer from the Iowa Conference. They were men of expe¬
rience and reputation when they came, and have done good work in the
conference. Mr. Dennis was transferred to the Illinois Conference in 1872.
Mr. Nesbit came to this conference by transfer from Indiana, in 1853. His
health is feeble, but with the exception of two years he has done effective
service. He is a thorough Methodist. He has method in his sermons, in
the administration of discipline, and ih his life. His sermons abound in
verbatim quotations from the Scriptures. A person who had just heard Mr.
Nesbit preach, being asked if it was a good sermon, answered “ Yes, if the
Bible is good, it was.”
Mr. Sears entered the ministry in this conference, and has been effective,
constantly, either in the regular work or in agencies to which he was ap¬
pointed by the Bishop. He is a good preacher and eminently social. He
has an ear and heart for music. It may be said of him, “ he is some on the
organ.” Mr. Morey, after a few years, dropped out of the ministry in this
conference. He subsequently entered the ministry in the Kansas Confer¬
ence, and is now a member of that body. Since Carbondale has been a sta¬
tion, Carbondale Circuit has continued a distinct charge, and has been regu¬
larly supplied with ministers.
De Soto Circuit was formed in 1858, and has continued a self-sustaining
work. In the county there are at present four pastoral charges ; in these
charges there are ten local preachers and seven hundred and thirty commu¬
nicants. All these charges are self-sustaining. There are Sunday-schools in
connection with these charges. There are in the county ten Methodist Sun¬
day-schools, and in these schools there are seven hundred and twenty scholars.
There are in the county seven church edifices, valued at nine thousand five
hundred ($9,500) dollars.
Carbondale Circuit — J. A. Lowe, Pastor.
OAK GROVE M. E. CHURCH.
This vigorous organization is in Makanda Township. Rev- J. A. Lowe
is the minister at present. The membership is sixty with twenty proba¬
tioners. It is constantly growing in effectiveness, and increasing in power.
ZION CHURCH.
This is second in importance in Carbondale Circuit, which organized in
1860. Its membership is forty-five, and the members who sustain the pro¬
bationary relationship to the church, twelve.
MAKANDA CHURCH.
This is also in the Carbondale Circuit, and is a growing church. The
members who are in full connection with the society is twenty-five.
MOUNT MORIAH.
This is the most feeble organization of the circuit, it having only teu mem¬
bers, and one in addition, who is on probation.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO’.
This is said to be the oldest of the religious societies of the capital of this
county. It is not possible to give full particulars of its first organization.
In 1856 the members determined to have a building in which to worship,
and their earnest efforts resulted in the erection of a small frame edifice. In
1857 D. Lingenfelter was appointed pastor in charge. The future of the
church seemed assured.
The great question of slavery which ranged men on either side presented
itself in the church at Murphysboro’. Disagreement could not but result,
and the infant church became divided. This disagreement was radical, and
being based upon principle, could not be compromised, and finally resulted
in the separation of a portion of the members of the society, and the organiza¬
tion of a Southern Methodist society in Murphysboro’. It was very un¬
fortunate that this took place. The society was none too strong when all
stood shoulder to shoulder, when divided it was indeed weak.
The original society struggled on in face of many discouragements and
with varied success from the separation until the year 1869, when the annual
conference made Murphysboro’ the centre of a new work, embracing
Murphysboro’, Mount Carbon, and Grand Tower. Rev. G. W. Butler was
appointed to this circuit, and labored earnestly, and with some degree of
suceess for three years. Mr. Butler was followed in the year 1872, by Rev.
R. Z. Fahs, who by his earnestness, both in and out of the pulpit, and a per¬
sistence in his pastoral work that never faltered, succeeded in greatly im¬
proving the society in numerical strength and influence.
Rev. C. J. Honts was the next pastor, and he, in addition to his other
work for the society, succeeded in having a comfortable parsonage erected.
In 1874 came Rev. M. P. Wilkins. For the greater part of another year
Murphysboro’ was supplied by the two preachers of Carbondale Station,
Rev’s Hiram Sears, and C. B. Holding.
In 1876 G. W. Butler was reappointed to the circuit, and again in 1877.
At the present writing he is the pastor. The society numbers fifty com¬
municants.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
The history of this denomination in Illinois, reaches back but a short disr
tance into the past. Indeed, the first effort in the religious movement, that
54
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
resulted finally, in the organization of an Annual Conference, under the
jurisdiction of the M. E. Church, South, in the State, was the calling of a
meeting for consultation, at Lacon, Marshall County, Illinois, January 21st,
1864. The appeal was directed to “ all who desired the means of grace, un¬
mixed with politics.” An organization was formed, taking the name of Illi¬
nois Christian Association-
About the same time, an organization was formed in the southern portion
of the State, which took the name of Evangelical Church.
On September 26th, 1865, these united, under the name of the Christian
Union Church, and elected messengers to bear fraternal greetings to the
General Conference of the M. E. Church, South, which met at the “ Crescent
City” in May, 1866. That General Conference, after receiving and hearing
the fraternal messages from the Christian Union Church of Illinois, appointed.
Bishop J. H. Linn, D. D , of Louisville, Ky., Fraternal Messenger to the
“ Christian Union ” Council, to meet at Clinton, Illinois, Sept. 12th, 1866.
Bishop D. S. Doggett, was selected to accompany Dr. Linn. The former of
the delegates, only, appeared at Clinton, Bishop Linn being prevented from
attending. A plan for a union with the M. E. Church, South, was adopted,
and arrangements made to call a convention, to consummate this union, to
meet at Clinton, Illinois, June 7th, 1867.
The convention met on the day appointed. Bishops Doggett and Marvin
were present.
A resolution was passed with but one dissenting voice, receiving and fully
adopting the Doctrine and Discipline of the M. E. Church, South, after
which, Bishop Doggett, in a most solemn manner, received that bodj of
Christians into the communion, and under the jurisdiction of the M. E.
Church, South. Done the 8th day of June, 1867.
The first session of the Illinois Annual Conference was held at Nashville,
Illinois, October 16th, 1867. Nine ministers answered to the roll call.
There were reported 16 local preachers and 2504 members, also 1080
scholars belonging to Sunday-schools.
A Conference met at Nashville, Illinois, September 19th, 1877. 5749
members and 3,000 Sunday-school pupils. The church property is valued
at 8118.565.
This much has seemed necessary, by way of introduction, to the history of
the M. E. Church, South, in Jackson County, and of explanation of the fact
of the comparatively recent organization of churches of this form of faith,
and with these brief preliminary observations, we proceed to sketch the
history of each of the organizations of Jackson county.
The first organization of this body in the county, was called the “ M. E.
Church South, of Manning’s Prairie,” and was formed in 1866. Dr. J.
Ditzler was chiefly instrumental in bringing about its organization. Davis
Cox was steward and class-leader, and has been from the first, a prominent
and influential member.
The name of this Society was changed in about a year to “ Bethel,” by
which name it is now known. The place of meeting has also been changed.
A house pf worship has been built near David Cox’s farm and near the line
separating Somerset and Vergennes townships. This was erected in 1868.
The pulpit has been supplied chiefly by Rev. A. L. Davis.
This society is making a steady growth and its influence for good is felt
widely.
M. E- CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO,’ ILLINOIS.
This was organized in the year 1867. It is a strong and influential organ¬
ization.
It owns a substantial and commodious edifice which is a credit to the lib¬
erality and taste of the members, and which is one of the very best church
buildings in the entire county and was erected at a cost of nearly $4000.
Murphysboro’ gives its name to the circuit, which includes four appoint¬
ments, viz: those at Murphysboro’ Station, Poplar Ridge and Carbondale.
Rev. J. H. Garrett is the minister in charge of this circuit.
POPLAR RIDGE CHURCH.
This society is the most important, whether we consider numbers, wealth,
or zeal, in the whole county. Its existence dates from the year 1868. It
was Organized by Rev. Benjamin R. Hester. As stated, its pulpit is now
supplied by Rev. Mr. Garrett. The church building is south from Murphys¬
boro’ six miles.
Among the prominent members at the time of its organization we mention
the following : Mr. Cartwright Davis, Mr. James Ozburn, Mr. James
Hooker and family, and several members of the Blackwoods.
The church has on its rolls more than 100 members, and is in every way a
prosperous, united, and useful church. Eternity alone will reveal the great
amount of good accomplished for the cause of* morality and religion by the
M. E. Church South of Poplar Ridge.
DE SOTO CHURCH.
The date of the formation of this was 1866. The first meetings of the
society were held in the school-house, and were addressed by the Rev. David
Myers.
Among the original members of this society were the names of Joseph
and Wesley Beasley and families, Dr. Hunter and family (now residents of
Murphysboro’), Alexander Stubblefield and family, and A. L. Davis and
family.
It was not until 1868 that the work of erecting a house of worship began ;
and then was undertaken jointly by the Free-Will Baptists and Southern
Methodists. The building is of brick, and was built at an outlay of more
than $2,500. Rev. A. L. Davis supplies the pulpit regularly for the Metho¬
dists. The Baptists are at this time without a settled pastor.
CARBONDALE CHURCH.
This society has a comfortable house of worship, which was erected at a
cost of about $1,000, in 1870. We give the names of the pastors of the
church since its organization. Father Tucker was in charge when the house
of worship was built. In 1875, Rev. John Threlkill was the pastor, and in
1876, Rev. Harris Beagle. Other ministers who have officiated are — Rev.
Ragsdall, Rev. Crandall, Rev. Nance, Rev. A. L. Davis, and the present
incumbent, Rev. Garrett.
Mr. J. H. Crandall, John M. Glenn, and James Hill have held, or now
hold, the offices of class-leaders and stewards.
The church is healthy and vigorous.
PLEASANT GROVE CHURCH.
This religious society has a house of worship about three miles west of
Carbondale, and their pulpit is supplied at stated intervals by the minister
of the circuit, Rev. Mr. Garrett. It was organized in or near 1870. It is
a growing and useful organization.
SKETCH OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
4 ‘ Ye purifying waters swell ! ’
In mellow tones rang out a bell ;
* Though faith alone in Christ can save,
Man must be plunged beneath the wave,
To show the world unfaltering faith
In what the sacred Scriptures saith :
O swell ! ye vising waters, swell V
Pealed out the clear-toned Baptist bell.”
The history of this church is, for sufficient reasons, not so complete as we
would like to present. That this is so is no fault of ours. Letters addressed
to different parts of the county in search of information have in not a few
cases been unanswered.
The first minister of this denomination of whom any record survives, was
the Rev. William Davis, who preached in the county prior to 1824. Whether
he is identical with the William Davis, son of James, who settled in the north
part of the county at an early day does not appear.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CARBONDALE,
ILLINOIS.
This society was organized on the 13th of October, 1861, in Crowell
school-house, near Carbondale, after an appropriate sermon had been deliv¬
ered by the Rev. Mr. Lisle. The following persons were at this time en¬
rolled as members : William Lamer, Jonathan Wiseman, Thompson Wil¬
liams and Julia C. Williams.
The first meeting of the feeble infant church after its formation, was held
on the 9th of the following month, when there was added four members.
At a meeting of the church, May 11th, 1862, Thompson Williams was
elected deacon, and was ordained on the 13th of July. This office he held
till his death.
William Hook was the first to fill the office of church clerk.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
55
For several years after the organization of the church, they possessed no
house of worship, but held their meetings in Campbell’s Hall, and other
public balls. In December and January of the winter of 1862-3 a series of
meetings were conducted by the pastor, Elder T. Clark, assisted by Elder
Morton, and resulted in the accomplishment of much good and in quite a
number of additions to the church. The total membership at this time was
about twenty-five.
On January 21st, 1868, the following persons were chosen as trustees :
Ralph Rayborn, Jlenry W Coughanower and Peter Crossley. At this time
lot 74 of the plat on the north-west side of the square, which was one of four
set apart by the proprietors of the land on which Carbondale wa9 laid out,
for churches desiring them, was chosen, in conformity with the act setting it
apart, and arrangements were made for the erection of a building.
The effort to raise sufficient means was successful, and the present build¬
ing was erected.
The early completion of the building was largely due to the unselfish and
untiring efforts of deacon H. D. Coughanower, who assumed all responsi¬
bility, and, when necessary, advanced his own means for the work.
The church has steadily gained during all these years, and now ranks as
one of the strongest societies of its faith in the county.
It has been ministered to by nine different pastors. The first was Rev.
Mr. Lisle.
STONE FORT MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was organized in February of 1863. It owes its origin largely
to the zeal of Deacon John Hunter, who in 1856 became a citizen of Ma-
kanda. There had been for some time before the organization of the church,
a station at the Rendleman school-house, where elders Parker, Kelly, Butler,
and Richardson had occasionally preached to the people. The number of
original members was nine, their names were as follows : John and Rhoda
Hunter, Sarah Markham, R. S., and Amelia Baldwin, B. F., and Mary H.
Kelly, Nancy J., and Francis H. Kelly.
The first pastor, was the Rev. David Butler, and R. S. Baldwin.was
elected Clerk. The church has grown since its formation, and 169 members
have been received into its fold, 111 of whom have received the ordinance
of baptism at the hands of its pastors. The house of worship of this church
is in the town of Makanda. It was erected in 1868 conjointly with the Ma¬
sonic lodge of Makanda. Rev. John A. Rodman is the pastor, and C. B.
Foster is Clerk. There are four deacons, viz. : John Hunter, John Rendle¬
man, S. P. Bingham and William Gentry. The trustees are John Rendle¬
man, William Rendleman and William Gentry. Among the members, is
one ordained minister, Dr. F. M. Agnew, and one licentiate, A. M. Lee-
SKETCH OF THE FIRST UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO’,
ILLINOIS.
This was organized in June 27th, 1869. It was not, however, until the
following year, that they began the erection of a building. Work suspended
November, 1870. It has never been entirely completed. The building cost
about $3,500. The society not being satisfied with the location of their
building finally concluded to sell it, and accordingly it was sold on the 15th
of July, 1873, for about $2,200. The greatest number of members belong¬
ing at any one time was sixty-four.
GENERAL BAPTIST CHURCH.
On Camp Creek, in Levan Township, is located the church building of
the General Baptist Church. The building of this society was erected in
1865. The first sermon was delivered by the Rev. Henry Gordon.
The Baptists have in this township also a society known as the
pleasant hill church. — (See engraving.)
This was organized about 1842. The first elders were Robert P. Gen¬
try and Ignatius O. Daniel. This church for more than a generation, has
exerted its elevating and purifying influence upon society. It is now vigor¬
ous, and enrolls many citizens of worth and standing on its register.
free will baptist church of kinkaid.
This dates its existence from the winter of 1838-9, and owed its existence
to the energy, and labors of Simon Hiller and William Lindsay.
In this township also is an organization of
UNITED BAPTISTS
Which, was organized but a short time after the above, and during the same
winter, through the zeal of Robt. P. Gentry and James Ferrell, of Union
County.
LORNEY SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH, CAMPBELL HILL.
This is a strong church, and its building which is of brick, not entirely
finished is the only temple of worship in Ava. Rev. George Gordon is pastor.
UNITED BRETHREN OF COX’S PRAIRIE.
This society does not at present, have stated services. Rev. Mr. Brock
occasionally supplies their pulpit.
In Ridge Township, there is a Baptist organization which for many years
was under the charge of Simon Hiller. They hold some doctrines which
are peculiar, and are sometimes called “ Hitlerites.” The association
is vigorous.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
“ Not faith alone but works as well,
Must test the soul, pealed forth a bell ;
‘ No fetters here to clog the soul:
No arbitrary creeds control
The free heart and progressive mind,
That leave the dusty past behind.
Speed well, speed well, speed well, speed well ! ’
Pealed forth the Christian Church bell.”
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS.
This was organized in the year 1865, through the instrumentality of Clark
Braden and Isaac Mulkey. The organization was effected in Illinois Cen¬
tral Rail Road grain house.
The first members were as follows : — George Yost, Daniel Gilbert, J. M.
Campbell, Stephen Blair, James and Willis Spiller, Clarke Braden, Isaac
Mulkey, Dr. McDonald, Prof. Brown, E. S. Robertson, and Lawrence Whar¬
ton. All of the above were married except the last, who is now an eloquent
and prominent minister in the City of Baltimore, Maryland. Their families
also united in great part with the church.
The commodious and substantial edifice of this society is “beyond com¬
pare ” the best church building in Carbondale. It stands near the south¬
east corner of the Public Square, on one of the four lots set apart for church
purposes, by the wise, liberal and God-fearing men who founded the City of
Carbondale. Many persons contributed cheerfully of their means towards
the expenses of its erection which were heavy, as war-prices still prevailed,
but there were two men, without whose powerful aid and liberal gifts, in¬
deed the enterprise would have been a failure, who are especially deserving
of remembrance by the friends of the church, and whose memories will ever
be gratefully cherished. These were J. M. Campbell and Elia9 S. Rob¬
inson.
The growth of the church has been steady and uniform, and the number
now belonging to it is 85.
The Sabbath-school which convenes in the building from Sunday to Sun¬
day is large, prosperous, and interesting, and is doing a noble work in train¬
ing up the youth of the church to habits of right living.
BUCHANON CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF DEGOGNIA TOWNSHIP.
This was the first religious organization in the township, and we may add
the only one. It is in a healthy condition and its services are well attended.
Its influence for good has been great in that portion of the county, and will
increase as it gathers strength with years.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF ELKVILLE, ILLINOIS.
This society owes its formation, very largely, to the unselfish efforts of El¬
der Trickett, the Evangelist. It was organized in 1877, and has as yet no
house of worship. The services are held in the school-house, and here the
56
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY \ ILLINOIS.
people gathered to listen to the instructive words of Mr. Trickett. The so¬
ciety is young, but yet it numbers some wealthy and influential citizens on
its roll.
also have the Free-Will Colored Baptists and the Missionary Baptists. In
Grand Tower the colored race have two churches — one of the African M. E.
Church and one Free-Will Baptist,
DE 80T0 CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
This society has been been in existence some years and possesses a good
house of worship. It is in a healthy condition.
CHAPTER XIII.
HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
THE PRESS OF JACKSON COUNTY.
We have been disappointed greatly in our efforts to gather sufficient mate¬
rials to enable us to give a full history of the rise and progress in our county
of the great ecclesiastical organization, which numbers in its ranks nearly
one-half of the professing Christians of the globe. The ministers of this, the
“Old Faith,” who now reside here, have been here only for a short time, nor
have the records of the church been accessible to us. We present the sub¬
joined sketch, fully aware of its deficiencies, but as the very best possible
under the untoward circumstances surrounding us during its preparation.
The number of organizations in the county is two, and the number of com¬
municants is near 140.
We are indebted to Mr. John Devine, of Grand Tower, for the data from
which has been composed the history of the
ST. GREGORY CATHOLIC CHURCH OP GRAND TOWER.
This was organized in the year 1870, but it was not until the next year
that the lots on which the tasty church edifice now stands were purchased by
the trustees of Mr. John Devine. Father Hermann Jungman was the first
pastor of the congregation.
The trustees first chosen were Anton Hoch and Stephen L. McAtee. The
number of members at its organization, or soon thereafter, was eighty. The
members consulted together, and decided that a church building in which to
worship was a necessity, and a movement was started to solicit subscriptions
for a building. The members chiefly furnished the amount considered
necessary, being aided some, however, by public-spirited citizens of different
beliefs.
The estimated cost of the building, which was to be of brick, trimmed witfi
stone, was S3, 000. The contract for the stone and brick work was let to Mr.
Henry Ginity. Mr. William Merrill had the contract for the wood work
and paintiDg. In February, 1872, the corner-stone was laid with the usual
appropriate ceremonials, and the erection of the structure began. The work
progressed satisfactorily, and early in the spring of the following year was
ready for occupancy, to the great joy of the youthful society.
The building is substantial and handsome in appearance, and the interior
is well and conveniently arranged.
In May, 1877, the faithful pastor, Father Jungman, of whose abilities and
services all speak in terms of loving praise, removed to Effingham, Ill. He
was succeeded by Father Reason, who remained but a short time, and was
in turn succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev. Father Poulus.
SKETCH OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO’.
This society dates its organization from December, 1868. The society has
erected a church edifice at a cost of 81,100. They also have built a school-
house, costing 8500, on a lot which cost a like sum. In addition to this a
residence for their pastor has been built, costing 81,600.
Rev. Father Poulus is the present pastor. The names of a few of the
prominent and influential members are — Medas Lucier, Henry Barggus, and
John Harpen.
The society is strong and prosperous, and the youth belonging to its
families are properly trained up in accordance with the doctrines of the
church. The pastor of this society also ministers to the St. Gregory Catholic
Church at Grand Tower.
CONCLUSION.
It will be seen from the above array of churches that the people of this
ccunty are a religious, a Christian people. Undoubtedly there are orginiza-
tions that have been omitted. It has not been possible to gain all the infor¬
mation that was sought for. Some, through indifference, failed to respond
when requested to aid in making the histories complete.
In addition to the churches named above, there are in the county at least
six churches of colored persons.
The African M. E. Church has a large organization in C&rbondale, as
THE JACKSON DEMOCRAT WAS THE FIRST NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN THE COUNTY
—MURPHYSBORO’ SENTINEL— CARBONDALE TRANSCRIPT— CARBONDALE WEEKLY
TIMES— THE OBSERVER — JACKSON COUNTY ERA— THE INDEPENDENT — GRAND
TOWER ITEM— AVA REGISTER— THE CARBONDALE DEMOCRAT.
HE progress of the Press, now conceded to be one of the mightiest
agencies of our modern civilization, has been most marvelous, and
its power, which is vast and continually augmenting, has en¬
gaged the attention of the essayist and the poet, the orator and
satesman. The daily paper of the present is a miracle of labor and of skill.
You look into its columns to find there concentrated the news of the globe.
The progress of the war between Russia and Turkey may there be traced.
The condition of the Pope’s health up to within a few hours is told you.
No subject is too momentous or elevated for its consideration nor any too
minute to escape its Argus-eyed attention. It is in truth
A map of busy life.
Its fluctuations and its vast concerns.
On every topic, which is the subject of contemplation or anxiety amongst
men, its voice is heard in trumpet tones which give forth no uncertain sound.
The world under its influence is drifting towards cosmopolitanism. Each
man, as he reads its columns, containing news from all quarters of the earth
begins to be interested in the welfare of realms beyond the seas. He watches
anxiously the changing lines of the combatants that are ranged on the side
of truth and error. Every lover of liberty becomes his countryman and
brother. He becomes a citizen of the world.
But few papers were taken in early times. The first paper published west
of Cincinnati was the Vincennes Sun, established in 1802. The next was the
Missouri Gazette in 1 808, since merged into the well-known Missouri Repub¬
lican. The first paper established within the limits of Illinois was Illinois
Herald at Kaskaskia, by Matthew Duucan, who was early a citizen of
Jackson County. Some discrepancies exist as to the date of its establishment.
Governor Reynolds in his Pioneer History of Illinois says it was founded in
1809, the year of the organization of the territory, but it is probable that this
is too soon. The press was bought at this time but for some years was only
used for public printing. Duncan sold out in 1815 and came to this county.
This afterwards became the Illinois Intelligencer and followed the change of
government to Vandalia, in 1820. It was an ably conducted paper. In 1818
Henry Eddy and Singleton H. Kimmel, who also thereafter moved to Jack-
son County — established the Illinois Emigrant. This was the second paper
in Illinois. The name of this was changed to Illinois Gazette. The next
year the Spectator was founded by Hooper Warren, at Edwardsville.
In 1802 another paper was established at Edwardsville. The “ Star of
the West.” The name was changed the next year to Illinois Republican.
In 1823 the Republican Advocate was established at Kaskaskia. In 1826
James Jones started at Galena the Miners' Journal. The papers taken in
early days were few, and in this county were the ones mentioned above, as
published at Kaskaskia, Shawneetown and St. Louis.
Our County now contains five newspapers, all seemingly well supported, as
they certainly deserve to be, by the people. They have done much in the
past and will do more in the future to attract the attention of those desiring
homes in the west, to the great resources, as yet but partially developed, of
our County.
The histories of the different papers that have been or are now published
in this County have been furnished by those who have been connected with
them, and hence can be relied on as correct. It is a history of struggles, some
of them, hopeless, against untoward circumstances and great obstacles. But
they are now established in the affections of the people, and are demanded
by the spirit of the times, and brighter prospects greet the editor’s eye, than
those of the past.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
57
The first paper established in Jackson County was at Murphysboro,’ the
County seat in the Spring of 1855, thirty-eight years after the political birth
of the County. This was entitled :
THE JACKSON DEMOCRAT.
Mr. George C. Bierer was the proprietor, and Dr. F. C. Bierer, now a resi¬
dent of Murphysboro’, was the editor. The attempt was somewhat hazardous,
as the county was sparsely inhabited. The leading citizens of the county
were anxious to have a newspaper, and promised the enterprising firm a sub¬
scription list of 400. The town of Murphysboro’, at this time, contained less
than 200 inhabitants. The business houses were few. There were four
stores, two blacksmith shops, one wagon-maker’s shop and liquor grocery.
The success of the venture under such conditions could not fail to be some¬
what doubtful. The brothers went energetically to work. A small press
was purchased in St. Louis. As no railroads were then in existence in this
part of the country, the press was sent by river. It came up Big Muddy
River on the “ Walk in the Water,” which staunch little craft is well re¬
membered by our older citizens of the county. The friends of the enterprise,
and those who had encouraged the establishment of the Democrat, were never
able to secure a list of more than 250 subscribers instead of the 400 pro¬
mised. Jackson County, at this time, contained no towns except the county
seat, if indeed that deserved the name of town. It was a village, rather ;
hence there was scarcely any advertising for the first-born journal of the
county.
To add still more to the difficulties that surrounded the proprietor and
editor during the summer of ’54, it was the year of the building of the Illi¬
nois Central R. R., and the principal merchants of the place, whose support
and advertising patronage were so much needed, removed to the infant town of
Carbondale. The lack of advertisements entailed great additional labor on
the editor, as each issue had to be filled up somehow. The brothers Bierer
hoped against hope, and continued to struggle against the inevitable failure
before them for the space of six months. Then they disposed of the material
of their office to Gov. A. M. Jenkins, who obligated himself to supply sub¬
scribers with the paper till the expiration of the period for which they had
subscribed. The enterprise, financially, was a failure.
The Jachson Democrat had many warm friends, and the people sustained
it, perhaps, as well as they could. The “ Winklereid” of the press, Dr. F.
C. Bierer, speaks gratefully of the way in which they were encouraged and
sustained by the people. The Democrat died, but its spirit walks abroad to¬
day. It was the “ voice of one crying in the wilderness ,” “ Prepare ye, for
a more glorious day of enlightenment and progress is at hand ” “ It rang
out the old,” and “ rang in the new ” order of things.
Gov. Jenkins continued the publication of the Democrat until fall, when
it was suspended. In June following, the Governor issued the first number
of the
murphysboro’ sentinel,
which he published about three months, when he disposed of the establish¬
ment to S. S. Hall. Governor Jenkins lost between $500 and $600 cash
during his connection with the Democrat and Sentinel.
Mr. Hall removed the office to De Soto, and changed the name of the
paper to the
DE SOTO FARMER.
In less than six months he lost $600. This was in 1855. Several of the
citizens of the town (than whom more public-spirited, generous men never
existed) determined not to let the paper go down for want of support, bought
the concern, and pledged themselves to continue it one year.
In March, 1856, J. A. Hull, now a resident of Chicago, purchased an
interest in the concern, and took the publishing department into his own
hands. Mr. Hull says: “We used the strictest economy, and tried every
means to make it pay, but in spite of our exertions the proprietors sunk at
least $500 by the Farmer. Mr. Hull says, further, — we quote from the edi¬
torials of the Carbondale Transm'ipt of August 20th, 1857 — “ This was truly
discouraging, and few men would have continued a paper under such circum¬
stances. However, after duly weighing all the circumstances, we determined
again to hazard the experiment, trusting that by pursuing a different course
in regard to business matters, we should be able to make a living at printing
a paper in Jackson County. We saw that it was necessary for our success
that our office should be located in a place where we could have frequent and
regular communication with Murphysboro’, and greater mail facilities with
the interior. This led us to remove to Carbondale.
The greatest error that had been committed by our predecessors and our¬
selves, 'was the extremely low prices charged for advertising and job work,
much of which had been done at even less than cost. With our removal, we
determined to demand more for our services than formerly, and accordingly
we raised our prices to what we considered fair, living rates.”
The name of the paper after its removal from De Soto to the promising
village of Carbondale, in the spring of 1857, was changed to
THE CARBONDALE TRANSCRIPT.
Mr. Hull expended in establishing his paper $1,600 above all receipts, and
the editor says : “ Then no reasonable man will cavil'at our charges. Had
we removed our materials from Jackson County last spring ” — this from date
of August ’57 — “ it is not probable that any paper would have been estab¬
lished here again for years. Persons acquainted with the business would
have been slow to embark in an enterprise which had proved so ruinous to
others. Although we are now reaping from our labors a sufficient amount
to support us, we are anxious to do something more. We have room in our
colums for a few more advertisements, and our subscription book will hold
several hundred more names, and not be crowded.” The Transcript was de¬
mocratic in politics, and bitterly denounced the republicans for traducing
John A. Logan.
A file of this paper kindly loaned by Col. D. H. Brush, now lies before
me. It is the oldest file of any in the county. A perusal of its columns,
yellow with age, bearing date of 1857, discloses the fact that “ ye editors of
olden times ” like those of to-day would have their jokes. The Transcript
was a very respectable six column paper ; was ably conducted and well filled
with news. A large space was given to the Kansas troubles which had not
yet reached a termination. The fillibusteriug expeditions of Walker and
Crabb were detailed at length. About fourteen pages were devoted to ad¬
vertisements. Notice is given that Little Dorrit, by Charles Dickens, is
just from press, price fifty cents. Nearly a column of each issue is occupied
in giving a list of broken banks, and the hard times of 1857 are faithfully
mirrored in the editorials. Early in 1858, Mr. Hull purchased the Gazette
office in Cairo, Illinois, but continued the publication of the Transcript until
the month of November of that year, when, the Cairo office having entirely
been destroyed by fire, the Transcript establishment was removed by its pro¬
prietor to Cairo.
CARBONDALE WEEKLY TIMES.
In the summer of 1859, Mr. Hull returned to Carbondale, his home, and
established the paper whose title is above. This was also of democratic pro¬
clivities. The Times became what was known as a “ war- democratic sheet,
and was the first democratic paper in the west to denounce the rebellion, and
advocate “ bold, sudden, forward, determined action.” Immediately after
South Carolina passed the ordinance of secession, the voice of the Times de¬
clared it an act of war, which meant revolution. But Mr. Hull was not
satisfied to remain in the peaceful seclusion of his home when his country
needed his services in the tented field, and in August, 1862, enlisted in her
army. Before going to the front he rented the Times for one year to Mr.
D. L. Davis. He received an honorable discharge from the army, returned
to Carbondale and resumed the publication of the paper, at the expiration
of Mr. Davis’ lease. In the spring of 1864, Mr. Hull became editor of the
Cairo Daily News, but for several months continued the publication of the
Times, when he sold the office and good-will to Mr. J. T.- Vincent, who
changed its name to the New Era, and its politics as well. In 1871, Mr.
Hull returned to Carbondale from New York city and rented his old office
for one year, and this concluded the connection of this veteran editor with
the press of Jackson County.
THE NEW ERA.
This was republican in political faith, and as stated above was founded by
J. T. Vincent. Mr. Vincent sold the office to John H. Barton.
The New Era was a 28 column paper, and was ably and successfully con¬
ducted by Mr. Barton, who is a skilful editor. The first issue under the
new management bears date of September 27th, 1866. Mr. Barton pub¬
lished one of the very best papers ever produced in the county. He finally
sold his office to Rev. Andrew Luce, who changed the name to the
58
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
CARBONDALE OBSERVER.
Mr. Barton some years later began the publication of the Southern Il¬
linoisan, a weekly paper. This he only published for a short time when he
disposed of his office to Joe P. Robarts, who blended it with the Murphys-
boro’ Era.
THE OBSERVER.
Rev. Mr. Luce published this sheet for several years. Not meeting with
that success which he had anticipated, he disposed of his office to Col. D. H.
Brush, and again entered upon his calling as minister of the Presbyterian
Church.
Col. D. H. Brush disposed of the paper to Prof. C. W. Jerome of the
Southern Illinois Normal University with Rev. Mr. Holding as editor and
manager. Mr. Holding had it in charge for a time, when he resigned its
control to again pursue his loved calling as minister of the Gospel in the
M. E. Church. Prof. Jerome thereupon accepted an offer received by him
from Messrs. Will, Van Benthusen and Morgan of Bloomfield, Iowa, and
the paper passed into their possession. The first issue under the new man¬
agement bears date of Friday, Dec. 28th, 1876.
It is not unjust to former editors to say, that Messrs. Van Benthusen and
Morgan, made of the Observer a better paper than it had before been. Each
had, before assuming control, a large experience in the business of conduct¬
ing a newspaper, and no profession more imperatively demands a severe and
extended course of preparatory training, in order to high success. The
promises contained in their inaugural were fulfilled. Van Benthusen’s ex¬
perience, notwithstanding his youth, extended over a period of seven years,
and began at the early age of seventeen, when he enjoyed the distinction of
being, the youngest editor in the entire state of Iowa. George A. Morgan is
an experienced printer, and the job work executed in the Observer’s office
reflected credit upon his taste and skill. Extensive additions were made to
the office after it came into their hands. The Observer struck telling blows
for the cause of republicanism during the campaign, and did nobly and well
its duty to its party. These young men were forced to give up the Observer
in Nov 1877. The Morgan Brothers, purchased the press and materials of
the defunct Carbondale Democrat, and have begun the publication of the
Carbondale Free Press.
The proprietor of the Observe r, Prof. Jerome, has since sold his paper to
Mr. Ackerman, late of Pulaski County, an editor of experience and reputa¬
tion in his profession throughout the southern part of the state. May he
meet that success which his ability, and high character deserve.
THE JACKSON COUNTY ERA— ILLINOISAN.
This able newspaper is published weekly at Murphysboro’, by Gill J.
Burr and Joe P. Robarts, under the firm name of Gill J. Burr & Co.
The Era was established by Joe P. Robarts, in the year 1873, the first
number appearing on the 10th day of May. Mr. Robarts was editor aud
publisher. From the first the Era has been an influential sheet, and has
been the organ of the great Republican party. For that party it has done
most effective service- Firmly believing his party to be the party of pro¬
gress and of freedom, its founder has been found fighting “ at the fore ” for
its success ; his tones have ever been those of confidence and of victory
When Mr. Robarts established this paper he was animated by sentiments
of fealty to party rather than hopes of gain. The party needed a voice to
inspire courage and hope in its contests, and the Era has been that voice.
We are all glad to know, however, that the investment has been a profitable
one in a pecuniary sense; for the Era has probably made more money than
any other paper in the county during its time.
It has increased in influence and grown in power since its birth, and at
this time claims as large a list of bona-fide subscribers as any newspaper in
Jackson county or in southern Illinois.
Its advertising columns give evidence of the high estimation in which it is
held as a medium of communication between seller and buyer, between
lawyer and client, physician and afflicted. Its market reports are full and
leave nothing to be desired. Its columns of intelligence contain, in con¬
densed form, the news of the week and the manifold transactions of the busy
world on whose surface we tread. It contains each week able editorials on
the political issues of the day and the great questions that are demanding
solution. It is in every sense a news paper.
Its present editor-in-chief, Mr. Gill J. Burr, is a man of great personal
popularity throughout “ all the land of Egypt ; ” has held high positions of
power and trust in the county of his adoption, and is known personally to a
majority of its citizens. He has clear-cut views, and expresses them in un¬
mistakable language. He may have enemies, for all positive men have ;
but he has friends who are bound to him as it were by hooks of steel.
The junior editor, Mr. Joe P. Robarts, is a man who, though young, has
had much experience in the editorial profession. He is no “ lean and hungry
Cassius,” but is one of the kind of men that Caesar desired always to have
around him, for he is “ fat.” He is well known in political circles.
In the hands of such men, if no unforeseen cause prevents, the Jackson
County Era will eventually become the leading Republican paper of south¬
ern Illinois. It is now the official mouth-piece of the party and the 18th
congressional district, and its predictions are looked to by politicians as fur¬
nishing a safe guide for the future.
The paper stands upon a firm financial basis, and bids fair to continue its
visits to the firesides of our citizens for many years.
It has done much to direct attention to the great undeveloped resources of
the county, and by its presentation to the world of her advantages to those
desiring good homes, has merited the support and good-will of all our citi¬
zens, irrespective of party.
Its files should be carefully preserved for reference by the future historian
of our part of the State, as they are a reflection of the degree of advance¬
ment and of the events of our time.
We feel we but express the sentiments of all public-spirited citizens when
we give utterance to a wish for the prosperity of the newsy, capable, ener¬
getic and outspoken Jackson County Era. ' May its future be as its past, ex¬
cept that as years circle away, its power for good may increase continually.
THE INDEPENDENT.
The original title of this thriving, newsy paper was the Murphysboro' Inde¬
pendent.
It was established at the County-seat in the month of October and year of
1873, and was, as its name implies, independent in its political principles.
It was edited by Bethune Dishon and John W. Grear, both energetic young
men. We make the following extract from the editorial salutatory of
first issue :
“We take pleasure in presenting to the citizens of Jackson County and
southern Illinois, the Murphysboro ’ Independent, a weekly newspaper devoted
to the interests of the tax-payers. The political character of our paper will
be strictly independent in all things appertainin g thereto, thereby giving our
selves that latitude which party organs do not enjoy. *****
“ It will be our most earnest endeavor to bring such information before
the public as regards the mineral wealth, manufacturing, agricultural and
other inducements our county offers to capitalists having money to iuvest-
This subject we will place before the public as favorable opportunities pre¬
sent themselves to us, aud we hope, through the medium of our journal, to
add a widow’s mite to the good work of increasing and developing the wealth
that covers the surface of the county, the products of our soil, and the mil¬
lions of tons of coal that underlie the surface. * *
“We will denounce all fraud and speculation with the public funds in
unmeasured terms, and give credit to those pereons who by their wise and
far-seeing judgment may benefit the county in any manner.
“ In the way of information of a general and local character, our columns
will contain from issue to issue such news as will be both interesting and of
that nature and style that it will not offend or injure the feelings of any one ;
not dealing in personalities and vile abuse, but in mild aud tempered criti¬
cism, wherever and whenever it may be required.
“In a few words, it will be the people’s paper, containing as it does
poetry, interesting stories, local news, editorials on the latest and most in¬
teresting subjects, market reports, and last but not least, will furnish the
merchant, farmer and all other classes and professions of its citizens with a
true and correct index to where they can purchase whatever may be
needed, at the lowest rates. * * * *
“ By and with the help of friends of progress, we expect to be able to
record any and all items of an interesting nature that may occur in southern
Illinois, and continue to grow in favor with the intelligent and respectable
community.”
The Murphysboro' Independent ha9 not falsified these promises, but has
continued to grow in favor alway. Year by year has the number of its friends,
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
59
subscribers and patrons increased. It has won the respect of all and the love
of many.
Mr. Dishon severed his connection with the paper in 1876, and its publi¬
cation was continued by Mr. Grear alone until September, 1877. The word
Murphysboro has been dropped from its title, and it long ago left the ranks
of the Independents to do valiant service in the cause of true democracy.
There is not a doubt that the reduction of the strength of the Republican party
in this county is partly attributable to the able manner in which this paper
has presented the historic glories and great principles of the party that once
was led by a Jefferson, a Jackson and a Douglas. Its warfare has been hon¬
orable, but fire has been steady upon the line of its enemy, and at times
terrific. It is the recognized official organ of the Democratic party, and its
voice is heard with attention by friends and foes.
In September, 1877, Mr. Grear, now editor-in-chief, associated with him
in the management of the paper a young man of more than average ability
and scholarship, Mr. James C. Sowers, who had hitherto been a citizen of
Jonesboro’.
The senior editor is so well known as to need no mention at our hands.
Honorable in all relations of life, generous in feeling, and just towards all,
he merits and receives the respect of all. He is a native of Union County,
having first opened his eyes upon the light in Jonesboro’, its capital. He
has demonstrated to do what is really a difficult thing — conduct a newspaper
successfully. With such men for editors the future of the Independent is
assured. We believe that the Independent will perform its duty to this
county and this part of the State nobly and well.
A glance at its advertising columns evinces the fact that it receives the
hearty support of business and professional men, while the list of subscribers
is more than respectable. It is now established on a substantial basis, and
waxes stronger with its years. Success to the Independent. May it always
esteem the right above all things, and labor in the coining as in the past time
for the best interests of the good people of this county ; may its voice give
forth no uncertain sound upon all that pertains to education, morality, and
the dear rights of humanity. Again, we say, success to the Independent.
GRAND TOWER ITEM.
This, as its name indicates, is published at Grand Tower. M. F. Swartz-
cope, well known to our citizens throughout the county, is the proprietor and
editor, since the retirement of Mr. J. P. Stockton on account of ill-health.
It was established early in 1875. The circulation of this sheet is respect¬
able, and a perusal of its columns reveals the fact that it is conducted with
decorum and editorial ability. Mr. Swartzcope’s biography will be found in
another part of this work, and needs no further mention at our hands here.
The Item contains items of news for all classes and conditions. It is doing
a good work in the western part of the county.
It is independent in politics. Its advertising columns are well filled with
first-class local and county advertisements. It seems a healthy, unpreten¬
tious sheet, and is founded on a sure and solid basis, and is well supported by
the business men and citizens.
The times are improving, and newspapers will reap the benefit of a return
of good times. One thing is evident, which is, that the sprightly, sparkling
Item will endure. Mr. Swartzcope knows no such word as “ fail ” The
weekly visits of this paper will continue to make glad the hearts of patrons
and their families, let us hope, for years to come. Long may the gigantic
form of its chief editor survive.
AVA REGISTER.
This spicy little sheet was established by Bethune Dishon and Mr. George
Jahn, in the summer of 1876, at the flourishing town of Ava, which is
situated on the Narrow Gauge Railroad, 16 miles northwest of the county
seat. It was, from the first, Democratic in faith, and has labored zealously
for the success of its party. It has a good circulation, and possesses the
friendship of the people and business men of that portion of the county. Its
advertising columns show that it receives a good patronage from the mer¬
chants and traders of both Ava and Murphysboro’.
Mr. Dishon retired from the paper in the summer of 1877, in order to press
his claims for the nomination by his party as County Clerk ; and the sheet
since then has been under the sole control of Mr. Jahn.
This gentleman is young, but his editorials show that he possesses genuine
editorial ability, while its typographical appearance evinces his skill and
taste as a practical printer. The paper is on secure footing, and is gaining
friends with its age. Ava is destined to be one of the really good towns of
Jackson county, and in a short time will rank third in population and
wealth. The northwestern part of the county needs a good paper, and the
Ava Register supplies that need. It is proving a success, and deserves to be
successful.
THE CARBONDALE DEMOCRAT.
In the spring of 1876 ^the need of a Democratic paper in Carbondale be¬
came apparent to those who were identified with Democracy ; and hence re¬
sulted the establishment, in the spring of 1876, of the Carbondale Democrat
by Bell Irvin, who had recently been employed on the editorial staff of the
Observer.
Mr. Irvin wielded the pen of a ready writer, aud the new paper soon had
a subscription list of more than 400. His connection with the paper was,
however, but brief, and ceased about the 1st of August the same year. Mr.
Irvin is of English descent, and worked faithfully for the principles of the
party of his choice. He, on retiring from the management of the Democrat,
immediately removed to Iowa, where he now resides. At present he is edi¬
tor and publisher of a paper in that State entitled the Backwoodsman. The
vacancy in the editorial chair of the Democrat was filled very ably by Mr.
John W. Burton, a young man of activity and intelligence, who had gradu¬
ated with honors the previous spring in the literary department of the Indi¬
ana State University, located at Bloomington, Ind. Under the new manage¬
ment the paper did most effective service for the party during the remainder
of the vigorous and unprecedentedly heated political campaign, which closed
on the 7th of November, 1876. The paper was established solely as a cam¬
paign sheet, and ended its existence with the close of the campaign. The
press and all appurtenances are now in the control of the Morgan Brothers,
editors and proprietors of the Free Press.
A paper was published at Murphysboro’ in the ’60’s, called the Murphys¬
boro’ Argus. It was well edited, and was Democratic in politics.
A SONG FOR THE PRESS.
By William H. Bushnell.
A song for the Press ! the Printing Press !
That has ruled the world alone,
Since the finger of God first graved His laws
On the tablets of senseless stone ;
Since a spark of His wisdom downward sent
Woke the slumbering thought to birth,
And the Press, as a meteor, flashed thro’ the gloom.
The darkness that lowered o’er earth.
A song for the Press ! more potent far
Than the fiat of crowned king—
Than the cohorts of war — than the steel-clad men
That the mightiest can bring.
Kingdoms, and tower, and palace wall,
That have braved a century’s might,
Crumble in ruin, and totter and fall,
When the Press wakes the giant Eight.
A song for the Press— the lever long sought
The world to sway, in times olden—
To check the power of Oppression’s hand —
Break the rule of the sceptre golden ;
Pierce the gloom of the dungeon — the captive free,
Rive oak door and iron rod,
And send broadcast o’er a sin-bound world
The words of a living God !
A song for the Press — the Angel that lines,
In light on its record page,
Each glorious thought, and each noble deed —
Each act of the passing age :
The historian’s pen, and the poet’s wand —
Each triumph — each God-born rhyme —
Is recorded there, and for ever lives,
Defying the touch of Time !
A song for the Press 1 Like the armed men
That rushed o’er Rome’s ivy’d wall,
When Liberty swayed and trampled in dust
Caesar’s pride and judgment hall ;
60
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
So its silent step wakes the down-trod one,
’Mid his thraldom, his fear and gloom,
And thunders in wrath round the crowned king,
Foretelling of death and of doom !
A song for the Press — the east-born star !
Of religion — of liberty— power —
Untrameled by wealth, by passioh unswayed,
’Tis the index — the scribe of each hour ;
And still shall remain— still the slender type
Shall “ click ” and all nations bless ;
And the last star from earth that ever fades out,
Be the God-model’d Printing Press
CHAPTER XIV.
COMMON SCHOOLS.
managed, this would have released forever the people from local taxation.
But there were innumerable causes for waste, and taxes had to be added to
the meager returns from so magnificent a gift. Unfortunately, the Legisla¬
ture authorized the sale of these lands, and borrowed the money to defray
the current expenses of 1828.
In 1855, the Common School Fund was $951 504. yielding an annual in¬
come of $57,700. The same year, the township Fund was $1,441,500, yield¬
ing an income of $111,191.
In 1835, the interest on school monies borrowed by the State, was first dis¬
tributed to counties. This distribution was based upon the number under
twenty-one years of age, and was to be paid to teachers, at the rate of not
more than one-half of their wages for the preceding twelve months’ services.
The residue, if any, was to constitute a county school fund forever. In 1855,
the aggregate of this county fund was $50,000. The aggregate of these
funds in 1876, was over six and one-half millions of dollars.
In 1852, the balance of the overflowed and swamp lands, after paying for
drainage and levees, was granted to counties for educational purposes. In
1853, fines and criminal forfeitures on bails were added to school resources,
and school property was exempt from taxation.
BY SAMl'EL E. HARWOOD.
SCHOOL FUND F.STABLISHED— FIRST FREE SCHOOL SYSTEM— SCHOOL-HOUSES AND
FURNITURE— FIRST HOUSE USED FOR A SCHOOL ROOM— SCHOOL-OFFICERS AND
TEACHERS.
O understand the growth of the county in educational matters, one
must examine the origin and development of the State Law.
The consideration of this will answer the question, How came
we with the Common Schools ? It will also enable one to see
more clearly the causes of the conditions of these schools in their various
stages of growth. The county came by them in the same way the State did,
but with much less contention and confusion. The State fought the battles
for all the counties, and they reap individually the benefits of their collective
efforts.
The present system of “ free schools ” was entered upon in 1855. That
date proved to be the turning-point in the history of Illinois. The influences
growing out of this school system are worthy of the attention and critical
study of historian and philosopher. They have affected, not the average in¬
telligence alone, but the character of every calling, and have developed
advantages previously unrealized. The work of 1855 was not the beginning.
There had been labor and growth for years before. The idea of making
knowledge common reaches farther back, beyond the existence of Illinois as
a separate territory. The celebrated ordinance of 1787 declared education to
be “necessary to the good government of mankind,” and enjoined that
“schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”
Paper manifestoes are not often dreaded, and proclamations seldom have
existence longer than that of the paper upon which they may be written ;
but this ordinance of 1787 seems to be an exception, and in 1887 some of the
“ mankind ” of Illinois will be reaping benefits from the influences of its
declarations and injunctions.
Some of the encouragement meant in this document came in a material
form in 1818. Congress, in the Enabling Act for this State, April 18th of
that year, appropriated three per cent, of the net proceeds of public lands
within the limits of Illinois, for the encouragement of learning, one-sixth
thereof to be bestowed on a college or university. From this the State has
its “School Fund Proper,” which, in 1876, amounted to $613,362.96. Beside
this, two townships, in addition to one donated some time previous, were
given for founding and maintaining a seminary of learning. This formed
what is now known as the “ Seminary Fund,” and amounted last year, to
8.59,838.72. One-sixth of the above named three per cent, donation, went to
form the “ College Fund ” of the State, and now amounts to $156,613.52.
The proceeds of the three per cent, fund, were blended in 1835, and
borrowed by the State at six per cent, interest. This interest was to be dis¬
tributed annually for school purposes. How much of it was thus distributed
is not known.
The most valuable donation from Congress, was the sixteenth section of
every township. If this was sold, lands equivalent to it, were given for
school purposes. This donation amounts to 998,449 acres. Properly
THE FIRST FREE SCHOOL SYSTEM
was adopted thirty years before. In 1824 and ’25, Governor Coles, in his
message, advised that provision be made for support of common schools
The same session, Senator Joseph Duncan, of Jackson County, introduced a
bill to establish schools. In this way, Jackson County can justly claim to
have originated through her distinguished Senator, the Free School System,
and assume all accruing honor.
The main points in this school system were
1. The schools were to be open to every class of white citizens between the
ages of five and twenty-one.
2. Persons over twenty-one years of age might be admitted on consent of
trustees and upon the agreed terms.
3. Districts of not less than fifteen families were to be formed on petition
of a majority of the voters.
4. Officers were to be elected and sworn in. The system was very full
and complete.
5. The legal voters at an annual meeting could levy a tax, in money or
merchantable produce at cash value, not exceeding one-half of one per cent.,
subject to a maximum limitation of ten dollars for one person.
6. The state appropriated annually two dollars out of every one hundred
received into the treasury. This was distributive of five-sixths of the' interest
from the School Fund, and was apportioned to counties according to the
number of white children under twenty -one years of age. The counties dis¬
tributed this among the districts ; but no district received any of this fund
unless it had sustained a school of three months for the year in which the di¬
vision was made.
This last was the best feature of the law, and was much the same in prin¬
ciple as the similar provision of the present law. The whole law was in ad¬
vance of the times. Such was the objection to it that it was virtually an¬
nulled by amendment in 1827. The opposition to taxation was great, and it
was provided that no person could be taxed without his written consent. The
two dollars from the treasury were also denied.
This action alone would place a stigma upon the legislature of 1827. But
other facts prove it to have been one of the worst that ever afflicted the state
and in clear contrast with its predecessor.
Repeated revisions and amendments followed, but no efficiency was im¬
parted to the land. Virtue had gone out of it and could not be restored by
patching. For eighteen years there was educational darkness, and k Egypt
might very properly have included almost the whole state. But some ener¬
gy and educational enterprise were among those old citizens. In 1844, a
“ Common School Convention ” was held in Peoria. This assembly appointed
John S. Wright, H. M. Weed, and Thomas M. Kilpatrick, to draft a mem¬
orial to the legislature on this subject. The paper was drawn, and was an
able and exhaustive document. It plead for a State Superintendent with a
salary of nine hundred dollars, and recommended local taxation for school
purposes. The work was partially successful. The legislature yielded a
partial consent. The Secretary of State was made ex-officio State Superinten¬
dent. Local taxes could be levied on a favorable two-thirds vote. Such
was the catering to the common opposition to paying out money for another’s
immediate advantage. It required a long time to make plain the real prin¬
ciple involved.
HTSTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
61
In accordance with this provision, all the district tax for schools, in 1846
and ’47, did not reach one mill on one hundred dollars. Such were the re¬
ceipts from votive taxation.
The auditor, by this bill, distributed the interest on the School Fund in
proportion to the number of children under twenty years of age in the coun¬
ty. The counties distributed to districts on the basis of the number under
twenty-one. If no school was taught during the previQus ten months, the
money went to the principal of Township fund.
Many features^of this law were incorporated in that of 1855.
In 1845, the qualifications of teachers were embraced in a knowledge of
reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, and history. It is to be supposed
that a very limited knowledge of these branches was required. Because of
the excessive apathy among the people on educational matters, very little
was done. Indeed, the demands for knowledge were by no means wide-
reaching, though the necessity for it was immense. The relations between
an intelligent ploughman and a school-room were unrecognized, and scholars
were not wanted in a frontier country. The effect of education on material
growth remained to be made public. At this time, 1846 and ’47, only fifty-
seven counties out of ninety-nine made any reports at all.
In 1847, the qualifications for teachers had to be lowered, because there
were so few qualified to teach. A certificate could be obtained for a know¬
ledge of any one of the required branches — the five above-named. Schools
were by no means numerous either.
In the same year the two-thirds vote on levying taxes was changed to a
majority, thus giving a small increase of power to those who were anxious
for efficient and sufficient Common Schools.
In 1849 the standard of qualifications for teachers was again raised to the
former grade. The directors could grant special privileges as to any branch-
This was something like the “ provisional certificate’’ of 1872-73, unless the I
directors in those days were more learned than some who manage school j
affairs now. Little did they know of the necessary discrimination as to local
needs in the choice of a teacher.
In this year the local tax was limited to twenty-five cents on one hundred
dollars, except in incorporated towns and cities where fifty cents was the j
maximum.
Another advance was made 1857. A majority of the voters assembled
could levy a tax not to exceed one dollar on a hundred. But such was the j
inactivity in behalf of schools, that the law was almost a dead letter. The
taxable property of the state was at that time one hundred millions, which
should have furnished a fund of one million dollars for school purposes.
The amount actually furnished, only twenty years ago, was but $51,000.
But the interest was growing. The spirit of progress had been aroused.
The press took hold of the matter, and strong leaders urged the necessity of
better schools. A better class of citizens was coming from the east, bringing
their advanced and advancing ideas of education. Conventions met and dis¬
cussed the question. The people were stirred up in their own interests.
Through these influences some changes were wrought. In 1854 the Legis¬
lature separated the office of State Superintendent from that of Secretary of
State- The new officer was to receive $1,500 per adnum. He was requested
to draft a bill for a Free School System. Honorable - W. Edwards was
appointed by Governor Matteson. He presented a well-drawn bill, which
was altered in some degree and adopted February 15, 1855.
All along the scarcity of teachers was a serious trouble. The new law
promised more vigorous action among the people. But whence were the
teachers to come? They were comparatively few in number, and limited in
qualification. Systematic work was demanded in the new field. This was
really the introduction of system into the teacher’s preparation for his work.
To meet this want of efficient teachers the Northern Normal was established
in 1857. From this time the change in teachers, at least, is more marked.
It introduced the geometrical rate of increase, with a large ratio instead of a
minute common difference.
The vital principle of the present law is this : The property and wealth of
the state as well as the county shall educate their youth.
The corner-stone has been laid, the foundations have been firmly placed,
and the superstructure advances grandly toward that perfection for which
future generations must furnish the materials.
Such is a rapid survey of the growth of the Common Schools in Illinois,
They have not come in a night, nor in a year. They are the frujtage of a
generation’s constant and laborious effort, and to them Jackson County owes
and attributes much of character and prosperity. Like her sister counties,
she may have been slow in making a beginning, but education within her
borders has kept pace with her material development.
There were the rude beginnings in her farm-life and varied industries. So
were there the awkward workmen and rude instruments in her shhool-rooms,
in days gone by. Both teacher and teacher’s appliances of a half century
ago would now attract the eye of the archaeologist as indicative of a former
civilization. They were not peculiar to Jackson County. Other counties
had made no greater advances, and must have had conveniences not more
modern than those of this County. These did not -hint of the intelligence
and learning that should be with a people winning the name of Egyptians.
Indeed, in those early years, more attention was paid to filling the corn-
sacks of Joseph’s brethren than to filling the thought-sacks of Joseph’s own
i mind. The instruments for the former were by no means the most modern
and saving of human muscle, neither indicative of great mechanical skill,
\ much less those of the latter and least considered question.
One thing at a time may have been a good motto ; for these ancestors of
ours secured a reputation for gaining an abundance from mother earth, if
j they did also obtain the less enviable notoriety for Egyptian ignorance, which
has required more than a score of years to remove. But a change has come
over them, and the days of Manetho may yet have a counterpart in this
Egypt of the Western Hemisphere. Then there will be gathered up not the
genealogies of the thirty dynasties, but the principles that underlaid and in¬
fluenced this later growth. Then there may be some explanation of the sud¬
den increase of Egypt’s boundaries, and the cause of her increased popularity.
Some one may discover that it lies in the energetic action of these corn-deal¬
ers in behalf of education.
This new activity in behalf of better things may have augmented the
willingness of more northern counties to be considered within the confines of
Egypt. Anyhow, Jackson County may now claim a higher honor than being
merely a granary for the northern counties. In early times Jacob and his
sons came down with their teams for the fruits of her farms. Now their sons
and daughters come from counties far remote to gather the fruits of her edu¬
cational institution. They carry away neither wheat, nor corn, nor barley,
nor precious stones, but scientific facts, golden truths, for the strengthening
of a higher life and a more rapid development of their own material re¬
sources.
What are some of the causes for this change in relations ? What are the
steps in the advance ? Where are the way-marks of our County’s progress ?
They are found in the increased number and convenience of her school-houses,
in the care taken of her school property, in the zeal and efficiency of her
teachers, in the introduction of new methods and appliances, in the greater
efficiency of her school officers, in the character of her citizens, and in the
strength of public opinion in behalf of education. Some of them may be
presented by contrasting the present and former conditions of things. All
the data cannot be gathered. There are, however, a few known facts from
which one may understand the difference in (1) the school-houses and furni¬
ture of to-day and yesterday ; (2) the school officers and teachers ; (3) some
of the principal schools ; (4) and the various curious customs. To their
consideration the reader is directed.
SCHOOL-HOUSES AND FURNITURE.
The change in school- houses and school furniture has been especially note¬
worthy in the last decade. The original log school-house had not gone
ten years ago. In November, 1867, (This is November, 1877) near Car-
bondale there was such an educational centre. It measured about six¬
teen by twenty feet. The door was in the south side. Along the whole
length of the north side was the window, the opening made by removing
a log. Against this wall and facing the window was the writing-desk of
primitive style. Around were the famously economical “ slab benches ”
with their four crossed legs and hewed faces. Back supports there were
none. Children’s backs were made of better material in those “ gjfcxl old
days.”
The first house used for a school-room was the dwelling of William Boon,
near Sand Ridge. This was sixty-two years ago. As there were none but
log dwellings in those days, the accommodations for educational work must
have been decidedly limited.
The first house built for school purposes was of this primitive and con¬
venient material. This was years ago. Since that time there has been
much growth. The number of houses has increased to ninety-five, and the
log-house has been superseded by the frame or brick. Still there remain
twenty-eight of these solid log structures in the County. Of the others, sixty-
one are neat frame buildings, five are brick, and one is stone. These ninety-
62
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
five houses are in ninety districts, there being no district in the county un¬
provided with a school-house.
Dr. Redd said of these houses in his report for 1876 : “ The old log school-
houses have been superseded by elegant and commodious frame houses in
very many districts, which impress upon the mind of the traveler that the
county is inhabited by an intelligent and wide-awake people, who care for
the education of their children.” Before 1866, except the “ College ” at
Carbondale, there was no brick school-house in the County. A few years
afterwards the building at Murphysboro’ was erected. All over the County
the desire for neat school buildings seems to be increasing. In most cases
previous to 1866, the frame houses were not good. Some of those erected
since are conveniently arranged, and cost from one to two thousand dollars.
This change has affected other particulars. Blackboards are now indispensa¬
ble. There must be maps, globes, blocks, charts, tellurians, planetariums
and many other things. These charts are 'for the illustration of botany,
physiology, natural history, and geography. In books there was little or no
uniformity before 1866. Classes were as numerous as pupils, and sometimes
more so. About the beginning of Dr. Ford’s term as County Superinten¬
dent, this uniformity was urged and certain books recommended. The move
was a good one.
SCHOOL OFFICERS AND TEACHERS.
If we go back many years we will find no school officers. There were
none. They came with the School Law. There were teachers long before.
In the beginning of official dignity, as attached to school managers, the chief
was named Commissioner. He seems to have been chosen every two years.
His powers were much the same as the County Superintendent’s now are.
Very little is known of them. It is supposed they issued certificates, watched
over school interests, and drew their salaries in an entirely regular and legal
manner. Whether they visited schools or held institutes can only be sur¬
mised.
As early as 1852, Mr. Barrow was School Commissioner, and lived at that
time in the northwestern part of the County.
Philip Kimmel, Sr., was elected in 1856, and was in office two terms.
Since then there have been five Superintendents elected : U. E. Robin¬
son, Jr., held the office from 1861 to 1865; Dr. H. C. Robinson, from 1865
to 1869; Dr. John Ford, from 1869 to 1873; Dr. L. H. Redd, from 1873
to 1877 ; and John W. Reeder was elected the 6th of last November for four
years
Beside these there were under the law of 1855 other officers. In each of
the laws, original and amended, from 1824 to 1876, there was a full quota of
officials prepared for.
The Director of twenty years ago would generally contrast strongly with
those of to-day. Then “ his mark ” was the rule upon records of a board’s
transactions. Now the majority can write their names, even if in a school¬
boy’s scrawl. Their action then could not have been always wise. It is
not so no^. Their methods of choosing their teacher were doubtless ori¬
ginal and peculiar.
There is this certainty. All the school officers have grown in efficiency
with the public opinion which demanded their service. They have also a
share in the formation of that opinion. Treasurers, Trustees, and Directors
have all a share in the work. Could the volumes of unwritten history be
examined, many instructive facts might be discovered. In the absence of
positive information we can only judge the growth of school officials by a
comparison with men in other fields of public labor.
It would be interesting to know how these Commissioners managed their
examinations for certificates; what help they obtained in [distributing the
funds ; and with what means they aroused enthusiasm in school work.
Fro^Mr. Philip Kimmel come these statements: “The funds coming
into my hands, the first year of my official term, were 85,676.38. No school
could draw from this fund unless six months had been taught in that district.
Teachers then received from 817.50 to 820 per month. I appointed exa¬
miners at different points in the county. I also held two days’ public
examination. When my teachers were good ones, I renewed their certifi¬
cates. The school-houses were most all log, and some very poor at that. I
do believe the children learned about as much as they do now, only they are
now instructed in the higher branches. The small primary classes certainly
were better attended to than they are now, and learned faster ”
Mr. K. is perhaps right about the teaching of primary classes. These
classes comprehended nearly all of a teacher’s work. The instruction was
all along a lower scale and from a lower standard. There was little ex¬
pected or required. These earlier teachers were limited in qualification, though
some of them were successful in teaching. Could their beginnings be learned,
what a curious and interesting collection of facts would we have !
The first teacher in this county was John Aaron. He was a farmer as well
as a teacher. This is not an uncommon coincidence now. Mr. Aaron was
a married man but had no children He was employed by William Boon to
teach the first school at Sand Ridge. This was in 1814 and ’15. The ses¬
sions of the school were held in Mr. Boon’s dwelling. The term was nine
months. At this school Benningsen Boon learned his letters. Mr. Aaron is
mentioned as a man of steady habits and good character, having been greatly
respected, though possessing meager attainments.
In 1815 there was a school taught near Mud Creek by a Mr. Shaw. But
little is known of this school or its teacher.
The next school, as to time, was taught by Mr. McMurray, at the James
Davis School-house, where the site of Murphysboro’ is.
These schools were subscription schools, of course. There had been no at¬
tempts at anything like free instruction in the state. The usual charge was
two dollars and a half for a term of three months.
Mr. McMurray afterwards taught a school in the Holliday settlement,
about three miles northeast of Murphysboro’.
The former county-seat, Brownsville, had its pioneer teachers. Messrs.
Chamberlain and Howe taught there for several years, beginning probably
about 1821 and ’22. Here, too, particulars are wanting. Their remaining
in one place two or three years is indicative of some success.
Mr. Henson was one of the pioneers in teaching. He wielded the birch in
Elk Prairie, in a school-house near Hiram Schwartz’s place. A house still
stands there, and may have been the one in which Henson exercised authority.
It is unoccupied except for an occasional meeting, and entirely uncared for.
Henson taught here in 1840, or about that time, when “ barring out ” was
customary. His pupils “ barred ” him out once as a means of securing the
usual Christmas treat. He went down the chimney. They seized him and
tied him with their suspenders. He was a very muscular man and broke his
bonds as easily as Samson did the green withes when Delilah said, “ The
Philistines be upon thee, Samson.” The boys owned themselves fairly beaten.
It is possible that the older members of the Schwartz, Kimmel, Robinson>
and House families were among these boys. Some of them were there under
the control of Mr. Gass a few years afterward. Jeff. Phelps, now a teacher
at Grand Tower, was numbered among the boys of that section a few years
later.
Mr. William McClure was also a teacher long years ago. Mr. D. B. Tut-
hill instructed the youth of Tuthill’s Prairie in the past, and some of his off¬
spring have followed in his foot-steps. He taught in 1835. A Miss Wells
succeeded him.
Dr. Cyrus Thomas was at one time identified with the schools of the coun¬
ty as a teacher. His wife was also engaged in school-room work. He was
“ bug-hunting ” then, and beginning his training for his work in the insect
world. Men laughed then at his propensity to run after bugs, little dream¬
ing it would ever pay him in dollars and cents.
In 1852, Mr. Ed. Newsom, several times our County Surveyor, taught a
school at Grand Tower. It was then known as Evan’s Lauding. The
school-house was near where the “ lower furnace” is now.
He had some share in naming the “ Twin School-house,’ ’ near Murphys¬
boro’. It happened thus: Some of the families wanted him to teach them a
school, and secured the number he wished to begin with. He began
one Monday morning, and taught out that week. Meanwhile he discovered
a division in the neighborhood. A number of families wanted another young
man, and sent word to Mr. Newsom that they intended to take charge of the
school-house the following Monday. He was not frightened away. But sure
enough, when he reached the house Monday morning, the other teacher was
there with his pupils and patrons. There were some words. But Newsom
and the teacher went off to themselves and sat down on a log. They soon
understood that neither was responsible for the move against the other, and
they agreed to divide the house; Newsom took half the benches and one
side ; the other pedagogue had the remainder. Thus for several months the
two schools ran smoothly in the same room, but under different authority.
Thus, too, did the house become known as the “ Twin School-house.”
In 1857, Dr. Ford came to this County and engaged in teaching for several
years.
There was some energy among the teachers then. A Teachers’ Association
was formed that year. There had been one for a year or so some time be-
HIS f OR Y OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
63
fore, but it was extinct, without fossil remains. Messrs. Cunningham and
P M. Post were prominent in this one. One special wav-mark of progress
is the written examination. So far as known it was not regularly used until
the beginning of Dr. John Ford’s term as Superintendent. It has produced
a great change in the grade of work done. Nearly all examinations are now
written. The system needs no defence. The results in this County approve
the change. One other addition is needed, — that these examinations be more
thoroughly searching. Teachers themselves are becoming more professional
in their work, and better able to lead those who are to figure in the future of
the County.
For both teachers and officers there is more respect and yet more criticism
from patrons. There is a union of sentiment on one question — the free
schools must be made and kept as progressively useful as possible. To this
end let one and all labor.
southern half of the state were more or less aroused. Active organized ef¬
forts in behalf of a Normal school for Southern Illinois may be said to date
from that meeting.
On the first of September, 1868, the Centralia convention met, and was
still more largely attended. Adresses were delivered by Drs. Gregory,
Allyn, Edwards and Read ; by Prof. Sanborn Tenney, the Superintendent
of Public Instruction, and others. Without a dissenting voice, a committee
consisting of fifteen of the leading men of Southern Illinois was appointed to
prepare a memorial to the legislature, asking for the incorporation and en¬
dowment of a Normal school in the southern part of the state. This com¬
mittee met in Odin, Marion County, October 16, 1868, and added to their
number fifteen other gentlemen resident in different counties of Southern Il¬
linois ; they also prepared a circular address to their people, and a petition
to the general assembly in behalf of the proposed institution. This circular
THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS NORMAL UNIVERSITY BUILDING.
CHAPTER XV.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS NORMAL UNI¬
VERSITY.
THE KAC'ULT V — COURSE OK STUDY— LITERARY SOCIETIES— ACADEMY OF SCIENCE OF
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS.
movements which directly led to the act of the legislature incor-
irating the Southern Illinois Normal University, maybe said to
ive begun in the spring of 1868. At a teachers’ institute
dd in the city of Salem, Marion County, a circular was
drawn up and signed by some fifty prominent ^teachers and citizens,
calling a convention of the teachers and friends of education in Southern
Illinois, to meet in Centralia early in September of that year, to con¬
sider the educational wants of that portion of the state. In the idea of
that call, a Normal school for Southern Illinois was prominent. A
few days afterwards another circular was issued from Carbondale, without
apparent knowledge of the one emanating from Salem. This latter, which
was also numerously signed, called a convention to assemble at Carbondale
the last of May or the first of June, 1868. The convention was held, and
its objects were advocated by Dr. R. Allyn, Prof. Standish and others, in
stirring addresses. After a free interchange of views, the convention ad¬
journed to meet in Centralia on the first day of the following September.
The Carbondale meeting was very spirited, awaking great interest in Normal
education throughout the entire region represented in it. At least a thou¬
sand persons were present, and through them nearly all the counties in the
— which was chiefly the work of the committee’s secretary, and was printed,
in nearly all the newspapers of the region — very materially contributed to
make public opinion unanimo.us in favor of the proposed action.
The appeal was successful. An act entitled “ An act to establish and
maintain the Southern Illinois Normal University,” was passed at the ensu¬
ing session of the legislature, and approved by the Governor, March 9th,
1869. The trustees appointed in pursuance of the act entered at once upon
their duties and advertised for bids for the location of the university. The
competition among the cities and towns in Southern Illinois, was spirited.
Among the contesting points were Pana, Vandalia, Olney, Carlyle, Centra¬
lia, Tamaroa, DuQuoin and Carbondale. After long conference, Carbondale
was chosen and the site purchased. The amount subscribed and pledged
was estimated to be worth two hundred thousand dollars. It afterwards ap¬
peared, however, that a portion of the bonds was illegal, and the cash value
finally received by the state was very small compared with the magnificent
pledges given.
Plans and specifications, drawn by Thomas Walsh of St. Louis, were pro¬
cured, and the trustees advertised for bids to erect the building in accord¬
ance therewith. At this point a very grave mistake was made. The amount
appropriated for the edifice by the legislature was only $7 5,000, while the
trustees contracted for a building to cost $210,000. This was a most de¬
plorable error of judgment, the evil consequences of which were far-reach¬
ing. A committee of the trustees twice did me the honor, before deciding,
to ask my opinion as to the kind and cost of building that should be erected,
and I each time advised, in the strongest terms, that under no circumstances
whatever should they contract for a house to cost more than the sum named
64
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
in the act of incorporation. But the original trustees are justly entitled to
the benefit of this explanation : The funds and assets, including bonds, do¬
nations, subscriptions, etc., teemed sufficient; the trustees really believed
when they made the contract, that they would be able to build and equip
the house without further aid from the state; and a responsible citizen of
Carbondale, the lamented James M. Campbell, Esq., actually bound himself
by the covenants of a contract to erect and furnish the building for the sums
subscribed and pledged by the corporations and citizens, together with the
amount appropriated by the legislature. While these facts do not relieve
the original trustees from the responsibility of a most unfortunate misjudg-
ment, they do relieve them, entirely, from the imputation of having know¬
ingly resolved to erect a building that would cost vastly more than the re¬
sources at their command, presuming upon the liberality of the legislature
to make up the deficit.
Work began early in the spring of 1870, and progressed so rapidly that
the corner-stone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, on the 20th day of
the ensuing May. It was estimated that not less than fifteen thousand per¬
sons were on the ground and participated in the exercises of the occasion,
which were of a very interesting and impressive character. All the arrange¬
ments were in good taste, well planned, and successfully carried out. The
principal addresses were delivered, extempore, by Dr. Robert Allyn and
President Edwards.
It was at this time proposed to secure temporary accommodations and open
the school at once, so that the work of instruction might be going on while
the building was in progress. It is believed that this would have been the
true policy. It was the course pursued in the case of the school at Normal,
and with the best results. Classes would thus have been formed and the
work well organized by the time the new edifice was completed, to which the
school could then have been quietly transferred, and the work of instruction
would have gone on almost without a break, and nearly four years of valu¬
able time would have been saved. Other counsels, however, prevailed.
From the day the corner-stone was laid the work was pushed forward with
great vigor, till it was suddenly and painfully arrested by a most lamentable
disaster. A falling timber instautly killed the contractor, Mr. Campbell.
He had been deeply interested in the enterprise from its earliest beginning,
throwing into it all the large energy of his nature. He had assumed the
validity of the doubtful bonds and pledged his entire fortune for final suc¬
cess. His death of course terminated his contract, and the work was at once
suspended. It was not resumed until after the session of the legislature of
1871, by the action of which body the contract of Mr. Campbell was assumed
by the state, and three commissioners were appointed, with instructions to
finish the building according to modified plans, not however materially dif¬
ferent from the original designs. By these commissioners the work was at
last completed and turned over to the trustees, July 1, 1874.
THE BUILDING
is of the Romaic-Gothic style of architecture. Its length from north to south
is 215 feet, with two wings — one on each end — projecting to the front and
rear — 109 feet. There are : a basement story in height 14 feet, for the play¬
rooms, furnaces, janitor’s residence and recitations, containing 8 large apart¬
ments and 4 smaller ones, of good size however. A first story embracing
also 8 large rooms for classes and recitations, 4 teachers’ private rooms, and
a large parlor or reception room, the height being 18 feet — a second story,
22 feet in the clear, containing the large Normal Hall, three fine study rooms,
two class or library rooms, two rooms for the principal and one private room
for a teacher — and finally a Mansard story 19 feet in height, which is occu¬
pied as a large lecture hall, 100 feet by 61 in the clear, capable of seating
1200 persons — two large rooms for cabinets, or library, or art galleries — two
also for the meetings of societies, and two smaller rooms for laboratories or
dissecting rooms, or work shops. The whole is surmounted by a flattened
dome, which affords a wide perspect over the variegated country, from the
hills beyond the Mississippi on the west, twenty-four miles, to the prairies of
Williamson County on the east, and from the elevations of Union County on
the south, to the plane of Du Quoin on the north. The corridors within the
building, extending its whole length north and south, with two cross-sections
in the wings from east to west, are 14 feet wide, and are laid with alternate
strips of light and dark wood, and their four easy and ample stairways and
three wide doors, give convenient access to every part of the building, and
impart to it an air of comfort and elegance. Externally, the edifice, being
without spires or turrets, at first disappoints the eye, especially as for some
Unfathomable reason the good natural elevation of some ten or twelve feet
was cut away, and the building set that distance below the surface of the
ground. But a study of the fine proportions and harmonies of other portions
of the structure relieves these unfavorable impressions. The basement is of
brown sand-stone, hammered and laid in regular courses. Above the base¬
ment the walls are of pressed brick, trimmed with brown sand-stone and
whitish lime-stone. The roof is a plain Mansard, covered with variegated
slate, and surmounted by an iron railing. The windows are arched Gothic in a
variety of styles, giving a richness to the exterior, which is fully equalled by
the finish of the interior, in ornamental arches for doors and windows, and in
heavy panels and finish for wainscoting and wood work.
It may be safely pronounced in no respect inferior to any other edifice of
its kind in the United States. Its elegant Normal Hall will seat five
hundred students, and is now fitted with single desks and seats to accommo¬
date over four hundred and fifty. It is a beautiful room, in keeping with
the remainder of the building, admirable in proportions, 100 feet by 76, and
22 feet in height. It, and indeed the whole edifice internally, is a visible in¬
spiration to neatness, and to scholarly enthusiasm.
REORGANIZATION OF BOARD.
The act of the legislature creating the board of commissioners to complete
the building, abolished the first board of trustees, and a new board was
appointed by the Governor, in September 1873, and confirmed by the Senate
in January 1874. The board now consists of Hon. Thomas S. Ridgeway,
of Shawneetown, president ; James Roberts, M. D., of Carboudale, secretary;
Edwin S. Russell, of Mt. Carmel, Lewis M. Phillips, of Nashville, and
Jacob W. Wilkin, of Marshall. Their first meeting was held at Carbon-
dale, October 23, 1873. At subsequent meetings they arranged for purcha¬
sing furniture, for electing a faculty of instruction, for a course of study and
for the general management and opening of the school, July 1, 1874. The
former trustees had elected Cyrus Thomas, Ph. D., professor of natural
history, botany and physiology.
ELECTION OF PRINCIPAL.
In November last, the trustees elected Rev. Robert Allyn, D. D., then
president of McKendree College, in St. Clair county, principal of the uni¬
versity, and profited by his advice in selecting furniture and making arrange¬
ments for the school. Dr. Allyn’s labors and experience as an educator in
New England, as superintendent of public schools in Rhode Island, as pro¬
fessor of ancient languages in the Ohio University, as President in the
Wesleyan Female College of Cincinnati, and as a member of the board of
education in that city, and his late services for eleven years as president of
one of the oldest and best colleges in the State, and his earnest activity in all
the movements for the improvement of our public schools, speak favorably for
his capability to assume the charge of so important an enterprise, and argue
well for the wisdom of the trustees in their choice of him, from among the many
other distinguished men who might have been selected, and who would cer¬
tainly have accounted the position one of rare honor and great opportunities
for usefulness. The associates of this richly experienced chief were subse¬
quently elected. The entire faculty of instruction, as now constituted, is as
follows :
FACULTY.
Robert Allyn, Principal and Teacher of Mental Science, Ethics and Peda¬
gogics ; Cyrus Thomas, Teacher of Natural History and Physiology, and
Curator of the Museum ; Charles W. Jerome, Teacher of Languages and
Literature ; John Hull, Teacher of Algebra and Geometry ; Alden C. Hill¬
man, Teacher of Arithmetic, and Principal of Preparatory Department ;
Daniel B. Parkinson, Teacher of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, and
Lecturer on Applied Chemistry ; James H. Brownlee, Teacher of Reading,
Elocution, Phonics, Vocal Music and Calisthenics ; Granville F. Foster,
Teacher of History and Geography, and Librarian ; Martha Buck, Teacher
of Grammar and Etymology; Helen M. Nash, Teacher of Drawing and
Penmanship.
Charter Trustees. — Daniel Hurd, Cairo; Elihu J. Palmer, Carbondale;
Eli Boyer, Olney; Thomas M. Harris, Shelbyville ; Samuel E. Flannigan,
Benton.
Building Commissioners. — John Wood, Cairo ; Elihu J. Palmer, Carbon¬
dale; Hiram Walker, Jonesboro’; R. H. Sturgiss, Vandalia; Nathan
Bishop, Marion ; F. M. Malone, Pana.
Trustees. — Hon. Thos. S. Ridgway, Shawneetown; Edwin S. Russell, Esq.,
Mt. Carmel ; James Robarts, M. D., Carbondale ; Lewis M. Phillips, Esq.,
Nashville; Jacob W. Wilkins, Esq-, Marshall.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
65
Officers of the Board — Hod. Thomas S. Ridgway, President; John G.
Campbell, Treasurer ; James Rcbarts, M. D., Secretary ; Charles W. Jerome,
Registrar.
Auditing Committee. — James Robarts, M. D. ; Lewis M. Phillips, Esq.
OPENING OF THE UNIVERSITY.
The faculty having been chosen and a course of instruction outlined, the
trustees gave public notice that the formal opening of the University would
take place July L 1874.
COURSE OF STUDY.
The course of study has been arranged with two purposes in view — 1. To
give a strictly Normal course of training to fit teachers for the public schools,
and, 2. To give examples of methods of teaching. It therefore goes over the
whole curriculum of school studies, from the alphabet to nearly the comple¬
tion of a collegiate education, and gives especial attention to those branches
which require the use of the observing and perceptive faculties, without
neglecting those which demand the use of the imagination and reason.
Practical attention is devoted to physics, chemistry, natural history, survey¬
ing, and language; and the student is not only taught to know, but to do
the work of the branches which he pursues. He is also required to give in¬
struction in all that he learns, so that when he begins his life-work, either of
teaching or laboring in a secular employment, he may not be wholly inex¬
perienced in the very beginning of his career.
The course of instruction also embraces lectures by the Principal on the
history and science of Pedagogy, and on the methods both of Learning and
Teaching As the University is only in the third year of its work, it cannot
point to any very striking results.
TABULAR VIEW.
STUDIES.
PREPARATORY.
NORMAL.
1st
Year.
2d
Year.
3d
Year.
1st
Year.
2d
Year.
3d
Year.
4th
Year.
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
I
II
t t t
- t t
Elocution .
t - t
English Language .
t t t
Arithmetic .
t t t
t t t
III
Astronomy .
... f ...
+
IV
t t t
f ... 0
. +
t t -
V
f
t t •••
.. +
.. f ...
t t o
t t t
t t t
t t t
t t t
VI
Greek . .
t t t
VII
T t t
f f 0
Trigonometry and Surveying
+ .
...f ...
: . +
VIII
Zoology .
... +
f .
Geology .
Natural Philosophy .
.. + ...
t .....
"."’ft
IX
Chemist rv .
Rhetoric .
+ .
X
Logic .
... t...
Constitution U. S .
School Law .
. t
+ .
English Criticism .
Ethics. ... .
Pedagogics .
Methodology .
“f ” indicates time when the study is to be pursued.
“ o ” indicates a special class in the study — generally for teachers.
A class in Methods begins the Arithmetic each fall term, and continues two terms.
Classes in Methods of Teaching Reading, Grammar, Geography and History of the
Uni ted' States are taught every spring.
Spelling, Writing and Drawing are carried on till the. students are perfect and are
excused. Vocal music is the same.
Calisthenic exercises each day during the course.
This report is submitted to the trustees and to the public with diffidence,
but with the thought that as our school is a public institution, its affairs and
methods, its aims and its accomplishments should all be public. The princi¬
pal trusts that his frank confessions will be received in the spirit in which he
makes them, and that his suggestions will be candidly and carefully consid¬
ered, and that the public will endeavor to work with our professors to elevate
the character and increase the usefulness of all our public schools.
Robert Allyn, Principal.
The following extracts are from the Third Annual Report of the Principal.
1876-77.
The Principal of the Southern Illinois Normal University submits his
Third Annual Report to the Trustees and the public with much satisfaction,
though not without a humbling sense of many imperfections in the plans,
the methods, and the practical workings of the school. Many difficulties be¬
set every new enterprise, and none rise before any good work in more numer¬
ous array and with fiercer opposition, than such as obstruct the line where
education is to advance. Some of these are mustered by indifference, some
by thoughtlessness, some by cupidity, and some by the impatient desire to
realize immediate results from labors — the fruits of which can only mature
in distant time. Some are very natural, indeed, and excite neither surprise
nor discouragement. Some are too frivolous to be named, though they are
not the least annoying. And some only need to be mentioned to be re¬
moved by those who have caused them.
Many persons appear to think our school is a place in which to teach
boys and girls the simplest elements of knowledge. While it may serve one
purpose to have a class or two of small children to show the practice of teach¬
ing, these must be used as an experiment, and will, in all probability, suffer.
Will not superintendents and teachers and parents interest themselves in this
simplest, and really most elegant of all our school accomplishments, and see
that children early learn to spell? It may be proper that we should show'
how spelling should be taught — and that practically. But it is not profita¬
ble for the State that we should be compelled to do so much elementary
work. Yet far less profitable it would be if we should leave this elementary
work undone. This is a duty of the elementary schools, and for them it may
be made a delight. Any teacher who is really worthy of his noble calling
can awaken an enthusiasm among young children for correctness in this busi¬
ness almost to a white heat of passion. And how much better would this
work be than to attempt in such schools to teach the higher branches? How
much easier to teach spelling than the unconnected facts of geography, or the
drv details of the grammar? Is the spelling of a thousand common words
any more difficult than the endless combination of the multiplication table ?
Are not the letters of our words fixed almost as those products are by the law
of numbers? Then to write a handsome hand, and to keep paper, pen and
fingers clean and neat — how easy for a child to learn, and how7 excellent a
part of practical education ! and how disgusting is the opposite habit, and
how hard it is to divorce a man from it whose life-practice has wedded him
to it ! Here is one imperative need of our schools, and the public must toler¬
ate us ii#repeated warning in regard to it. We are sent here to teach those
who are to instruct our schools, and we must ask to be allowed to emphasize
the important parts of our work and invite co-operation with our efforts.
Three thousand words compose the body of our daily speaking and reading.
Most of these words are very simple. All can be learned to immaculate per¬
fectness by a month’s diligent study of a mature mind. Why do not our
county superintendents demand good spelling of our teachers ? Shall we be
obliged to say to those who come to us deficient in this point that they shall
do nothing but study spelling till they know it? We also appeal to teachers.
Will they not attend to this work? Is it best for them to neglect children of
eight and ten, and let them come to us at twenty, and then be drilled like
those in the primary schools ? We are willing to do this when necessary.
But we submit it to the public that there is a better way, and the people can
easily find it for themselves.
66
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
We present here a statement of the number of our students for the year,
and of the work done by our teachers. The Primary Department was dis¬
continued after the Fall Term :
FALL TERM, 1876.
In the Normal Department . 134
In the Preparatory Department . 41
In the Primary Department . 16
Total . 191
WINTER TERM, 1876-77.
In the Normal Department and Special . 137
In the Preparatory Department . 47
Total . 184
SPRING TERM, 1877.
In the Normal Department . 190
In the Preparatory Department. . 73
Total . 263
Total for the year by Terms . 638
It will be instructive and interesting to learn from what ranks in the com¬
munity our pupils come — 747 in number. Our record of their parentage
shows the callings of their fathers to be as follows, viz. :
Farmers, 381; merchants, 105; physiciaas,56 ; carpenters, 26 ; ministers,
23 ^lawyers, 21 ; teachers, 20; millers, 19; agents, 11; traders, 11 ; mechan¬
ics, 9; fruit-growers, 8: laborers, 8 ; hotel-keepers, 7 ; druggists, 6 ; shoe¬
makers, 5 ; surveyors, 4 ; miners, 4 ; telegraphers, 4 ; jewelers, 3; blacksmiths,
3 ; bankers, 2 ; railroad builders, 2 ; cabinet makers, 2 ; masons, 2 ; manufac¬
turers, 2 ; engineers, 1 ; upholsterers, 1 ; painters, 1. Total, 747.
Of this 747 there have been in the school the present Term, 263; 236 of
the total number have paid their tuition, and the number who have taught
schools in our State, as ascertained by actual iuquiry, is 336; some of those
now in school have taught before coming to us, and are counted as teachers ;
some of those who have paid tuition have also taught ; 48 only of those who
pledged themselves to teach have thus far failed to find schools ; some of
them will eventually teach ; nine have died, and twelve of the young women
have married, as has been reported to us; seven women and four men had
married before they entered the school. Such facts as these are often in¬
quired for by the public, and we frankly communicate them that all may
know the whole workings of our Normal School. In the future they will be
more valuable than now, and if the collection and preservation of them shall
be continued, they will materially aid in making a complete history of the
institution.
In addition' to the duty of general supervision, I have, during the year
taught classes as follows, viz. : Mental Philosophy, Logic, English Litera¬
ture, Moral Philosophy, Criticism, Constitution of the United States, Illinois
School Laws, and Methods of Instruction. I have also given lectures on
Etymology, Order of Study, and the Art of Teaching.
I am happy to state that I conscientiously believe the teaching in most of
the classes has been above praise, and has met the wants and should com¬
mand the approval of the community.
The appropriations made for the maintenance of the University were
ample for all purposes. The library will receive this year a large addition
of books, to be placed in the new and elegant cases provided. Th^Cabinet
of Chemical, Philosophical and Illustrative apparatus, will be greatly in¬
creased and made very complete. The cases for the preservation and exhibi-
t on of specimens, are now completed, and the museum of the Normal will
ere long rank as one of the best in the State. The laboratory is handsomely
fitted up for the work of the students of Chemistry in qualitative and quan¬
titative analysis. The building is lighted brilliantly with gas, manufactured
on the premises.
LITERARY SOCIETIES.
The students have organized two literary societies for purposes of mutual
improvement. They are The Zetetic Society, and the Socratic Society.
They meet every Friday evening. These afford one of the best means of
culture, discipline and instruction in the practical conduct of business. They
have commenced the foundation for a library, and deserve the countenance
and patronage of all the students and their friends.
The hot air furnaces, that for three years have so greatly vexed the souls
of pupils and teachers, with their soot and dirt, and which in cold weather
failed to properly warm the building, have been removed and a steam heat¬
ing apparatus has taken their place. The increase of comfort in the elegant
building is very marked, while, we doubt not, the health of the pupils will
be better preserved.
The fall term of 1877, opened on Sept. 10th, and the enrollment is larger
than for any previous fall term, being 235. The number of new students
being near 60 makes the number of individual students that have been con¬
nected with the Normal, something above 800 .Surely this is a good showing.
It is to be remembered that the Southern Illinois Normal was started in a time
of great financial depression. We are glad to know that this cloud is rolling
away, and that the long-wished for a good times ” are rapidly journeying
towards us. The halls and recitation rooms of this noble university, in
which the people of Jackson County feel so deep an interest, will soon be
filled to overflowing with the sons and daughters of Southern Illinois.
Too much praise cannot be bestowed by a grateful people upon the able
and enthusiastic gentlemen, representatives from this and other parts of the
State, who worked diligently to secure from the State that aid without which
its light would have been extinguished. Prominent among these for ability
and zeal in the cause of education and the Normal, we mention the names of
Hon. Wm. A. Lemma, Hon. F. E. Albright aud Hon. W. H. Woodward,
all sons of Jackson County, and sons too, of whom she may well be proud.
In years to come, when the southern part of the State is inhabited by throng¬
ing millions, whose footsteps, in imagination we now hear ; when she takes
the commanding position to which her soil and boundless resources entitle
her ; when 1200 young men and women, thoughtful and earnest, tread the
halls of her great university, then sha1’ these names of her early friends be
remembered with honor.
ACADEMY OF SCIENCE OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS.
The history of education in Jackson County, using the term in its widest
sense, would be incomplete without a notice of an association for the advance¬
ment of scieuce, which was ^organized in the County in 1876, but which is
designed to include friends of learning throughout the State. The title of
this body, which is incorporated, is the Academy of Science of Southern Illinois ,
and owes its origin to the exertions of the Faculty of the University, and of
Professor Cyrus Thomas, Ph. D., State Entomologist, and one of the United
States Commissioners of Entomology. After considerable correspondence a
call for a meeting was issued, which was held at Carbondale on the evening
of December 2, 1876. The objects of the Academy are as follows : To in¬
vestigate and study, (1) the Ethnology and History of Southern Illinois, in¬
cluding its Antiquities and Aboriginal Remains; (2) the Geology, Botany,
and Zoology of this section, and (3) to encourage generally the production
and preservation and publication of original papers on the above, and on
special, philosophical, mathematical, astronomical and meteorological sub¬
jects, as well as on the origin and meaning of the names given to localities
by the Indians or the first settlers of the country.
To promote these purposes the Academy is organized into departments
each of which may act separately or in connection with one or more of the
others. The departments are: 1, Ethnological ; 2, Historical; 3, Geologi¬
cal ; 4, Botanical; 5, Zoological; 6, Philosophical; 7, Mathematical; 8,
Astronomical and Meteorological, and, 9, Microscopical-. The constitution
also provides for County Auxiliary Academies, the presidents of which are
vice-presidents of the parent society.
Since the commencement of the year a committee composed of Robt. Allyn.
D. D., Principal of the University, and Prof. D. B. Parkinson, have made
several explorations of mounds, yielding a large number of Archaeological
specimens. In addition to these the Museum has been enriched by several
valuable donations of specimens which space forbids us to name in detail. At
present a part of the rooms devoted to the Museum of the University is used
for the Museum of the Academy.
The officers of the Academy are as follows: T. M. Perrine, Esq., of Anna,
President; Prof. Granville F. Foster, Secretary ; Cyrus Thomas, Ph. D.,
Curator of Museum ; E. J. Ingersoll, Esq., Treasurer. Chairman of Depart¬
ments as follows : Ethnological and Philological, Dr. Robt. Allyn ; Histo¬
rical, Prof. G. C. Ross; Botanical, Prof. G. H. French, of Irvington ; Zoo¬
logical, Cyrus Thomas, Ph. D. ; Geological, J. H. Engleman, Esq., of
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
67
Belleville ; Philosophical, Prof. D. B. Parkinson ; Mathematical, Prof. John
Hull, and Astronomical and Meteorological, Prof. Alden C. Hillman.
This association now numbers seventy-three members, representing three
states, and twenty-one counties of Illinois. The meetings which are held
quarterly at different points are gaining in interest and influence. The col¬
lections are already respectable, and at present are displayed in the museum
room of the Normal at Carbondale. Among the distinguished educators,
scientists, and friends of learning, who have connected themselves with this
deserving body are found Robt. Allyn, LL D., President Southern Illinois
Normal ; Chas. F. Noetling, Esq , of Belleville, Illinois ; Cyrus Thomas, Ph. D.,
State Entomologist, of Illinois; Prof. G. H. French, Irvington, Ill.; J.
Schneck, M. D., Mt. Carmel ; Hon. John H. Oberly, Cairo; Judge John
Dougherty, Jonesboro ; A. T. Barnes, M. D., Supt Southeru Illinois Hospital
for Insane, Anna, Ill. ; T. M. Perrine, Anna; President John Washburn,
Ewing, Ill. ; Chas. Bondlier, E. M. Hale, M. D., Chicago ; Col. Engleman, of St.
Clair Co. ; B. G. Roots, of Tamaroa, better known by the title “ Father
Roots;” A. C- Brookings, Du Quoin; James Robarts, M. D., Carbondale,
Col. Forbes, of Anna, and Hon. I. Clements of Jackson. The objects of
the association are stated above, are noble, and should attract to it all who
feel an interest in the work of scientific research. It is often charged against
this section of the state that it is inferior to the northern part in scientific
culture. The existence in our midst of such an intellectual body of men as
this, organized to promote the love of knowledge and to engage in the work
of adding to that which is now known, gives no color to such an accusation.
Its rapid growth is evidence that many are the lovers of scientific truth
throughout the woods and valleys of Southern Illinois.
CHAPTER XVI.
CLIMATE OF JACKSON COUNTY.
BY GRANVILLE F. FOSTER.
JACKSON County lies between the parallels of 37° 35' 43" North,
and 37° 58' 16" North. While the city of Carbondale, which
is situated a little south of the* centre of the county, is in lati¬
tude 37° 45' 11" North. For the sake of comparison it may
be well to say, that Carbondale lies nearly in the same latitude with the
following named cities, viz.: Richmond, Virginia, (37° 3 2' N.) Naples,
Italy (38° 11') and Athens, Greece (37° 58').
The general reader needs here to be informed that meteorologists speak of
two kinds of climate, which they denominate Astronomical and Physical,
meanirfg by the former such temperature as a place at the level of the sea,
would have in virtue alone of the intensity of the sun’s rays, which intensity
will depend upon the latitude of the place, and will uniformly vary through¬
out the year, according to the declination of the sun ; while by the latter,
Physical, is meant the actual observed Hi mate of a station, or it may be con¬
sidered as the astronomical climate of a station, modified by such grand
agencies as winds, ocean currents, &c., or by any local influences depending
upon altitude above sea level, quality of soil, slope of land, position and
height of contiguous mountain ranges, &c. , Should we suppose an astrono¬
mical climate as actual and universal, the earth maintaining its present de¬
gree of inclination to the plane of its orbit, every place on the same parallel
of latitude would have the same mean daily, monthly, seasonal and annual
temperatures, and these would be invariable from year to year. There
would of course be at any given parallel a daily and seasonal variation in
temperature, depending on the height of the sun above the horizon, and the
sun’s northern or southern declination, but such variations would be abso¬
lutely uniform. Though no place properly speaking, possesses an astronomi¬
cal climate, yet it must invariably be taken as the standard, by which after
making due allowance for each physical modifier, we are enabled correctly
to judge of the causes which have produced the observed or actual climate
of any given station.
The temperature of any station will depend upon its altitude above
the sea level. Aeronauts observe, that in ascending from the earth’s sur¬
face. the thermometer falls about one degree for every 330 feet, or nearly 3°
for every thousand feet. The causes of this decrease in temperature are as
follows: First, air is but very slightly heated by the passage of the sun’s
rays through it, hence, excluding exceptionable cases, such as the cold
northern waves of air, in fall and winter, seeking the lowest levels. The
hottes't stratum of air will be found at or near the ground, where the sun’s
rays are enabled to exert their greatest effect. 2d. Another cause may be
found in Mariotte’s law: “The volume of a given mass of gas or vapor is
ceteris paribus, in inverse ratio to the pressure it sustains.” Accordingly at
the level of the sea, the density of the air is greatest as it sustains the weight
of the whole superincumbent atmosphere, and the density of each successive
stratum of air from the sea level upwards will be (temperature not con¬
sidered) inversely as the pressure. Though not strictly correct, let it be
supposed that in any given locality equal weights of air, from the sea level
upwards contain equal amounts of heat, yet the mere fact that a certain mass
or weight of air in one of the upper strata, occupies greater space than the
same weight in one of the lower strata, would indicate that the intensity of
the heat must be less in the former than in the latter. In this connection it
may be well to say for the benefit of the general reader, that there is a great
difference between intensity and amount as applied to the forces of nature, a
ton of ice may contain more heat than an incandescent match, but the in¬
tensity of the heat of the latter is high and of the former low. 3d. The last
cause will be found in the laws of Rinetic heat. All bodies in expanding ap¬
pear to consume a certain amount of heat, and this too after making all al¬
lowances for difference in intensity resulting as stated in the second cause.
This amount of heat apparently consumed, is used to effect certain mole¬
cular changes, absolutely essential to the phenomena of expansion, and will
all be cooled without loss, when the body returns to its former bulk. Air
then not only decreases the intensity of its contained heat by the mere act of
expansion, but also decreases the intensity by consuming or rendering insen¬
sible a portion of its heat to effect the expansion.
The altitude of the signal service station, at the Southern Illinois Normal
University, Carbondale, has been found to be 421 feet above the mean sea
level, and according to what has already been said, this ought to make the
mean of C. H° colder than if it was situated (ceteris paribus) at the level of
the sea, but on making accurate observations and calculations, it has been
ascertained that the meau annual temperature of the station is not affected
more than from this source alone, and the reason is that since extensive
plains and plateaus, in consequence of the direct effect of the sun’s rays on
their surfaces, are much warmer than isolated mountain peaks of the same
altitude. Carbondale being, situated on an extensive plain, will feel the full
effects of this modification of the former stated law, Jackson County being
far from sea influence, and over three hundred miles from lake influence,
possesses pre-eminently a continental climate, which is characterized by ex¬
treme changes, especially in autumn and spring. The range between the
extreme of winter about 20° and the extreme of summer 108° in the shade,
is 128°. In winter and spring, the writer has in this latitude frequently wit¬
nessed a change of more than 80° in less than twelve hours, from sunimer
warmth of 70° to winter cold of 10°. It is these excessive changes, which
of late years, are making such sad havoc with the fruit crops of Southern,-
Illinois.
Are not these extreme changes in autumn and spring, so much more no¬
ticeable in Southern Illinois during late years than formerly, owing in a
great measure to the destruction of the forests, for it is a well-known fact
that extensive forests serve to temper the heat of Summer, and to prevent
excessive changes in the transition periods between winter and summer, and
summer and winter. In connection, it may be said, that Gibbon in Chapter
XL, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, asserts that the great changes
between the climate of Germany and Sweden in the time of Julius Cse3ar,
and that observed in these countries now, are owing almost entirely to the
cutting away of the vast and almost impenetrable forests which once covered
these countries ? And Gibbon further remarks, that places once celebrated
for their perennial rains and their abundant harvests, are to-day dried up,
barren, sterile, as witness the condition of the Holy Land, once flowing with
milk and honey, but now reduced almost to a desert, an instance most cor¬
roborative of what the destruction of forests is able to effect in changing the
most fertile country to one of the most sterile. May it not be, that the fre¬
quent droughts, as well as the extreme rapid changes in temperature, may in
a great measure be due to the same cause ? The following are the mean
monthly temperatures for one year, from July, 1875, to July, 1876, together
with the maximum and minimum of each month :
July — max. 96°, min. 68°, mean 78°. 9. August — max. 87°, min. 61°,
68
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
mean 73°. 6. September — max. 92°, min. 45°, mean 67°. 5. October — max
79°, min. 34°, mean 55°. 2. November — max. 74°, min. 22°, mean 45°. 9.
December — max. 72°, min. 7°, mean 45°.6. January — max. 70°, min. 18°,
mean 44°. 1. February — max. 73°, min. 8°, mean 43°. 9. March — max.
76°, min. 11°, mean 43°. 2. April — max. 79°, min. 41°, mean 59°.4. May
— max. 90°, min. 45°, mean 68°. 2. June — max. 93°, min. 58°, mean 74°. 2.
By Seasons — Summer, 75°. 56. Autumn, 56°.2. Winter, 44°. 4. Spring,
53°. 6. Mean of the entire year, 57°. 44.
From observations carried on through several years, the mean annual tem¬
perature of Carbondale may be correctly stated as 57°, that of St. Louis,
Mo., being 55°. 4, and that of Cairo, Ills., being 57°.5. Some years, however,
give as high a result as 59°, while others, extra cold, have dropped below
55°. In the interval between the last frost of spring and the first of autumn
there is a very great difference in different years, there being one year in the
memory of the writer that there was no frost from the first of March to the
tenth of October, but usually the season free of frost, lasts from the first week
in April until the third or fourth week in September, though it is a very
common thing to see not even the slightest frost until the first week in October.
Richmond, Virginia, is slightly cooler in summer and somewhat warmer
in winter, with less changes in spring and fall than at Carbondale. Naples
and Athens, from their position on the Mediterranean, with the dry, hot Sahara
of Africa south of them, enjoy a much warmer climate in winter, than at Car¬
bondale, though their summers are slightly cooler, but it is the warm winters
of these two points which allow of the growth of the mulberry, olive, orange,
lemon and other semi-tropical fruits for which both of these cities are noted.
The writer in his observations has noticed that the climate of Carbondale
partakes more of that common to the Ohio Valley, than that common to the
Mississippi, notwithstanding the fact that the county has the latter river on
its western border. In the probabilities issuing from the signal service office,
more of those headed “For the Ohio Valley,” have been verified for the lati¬
tude of Carbondale, than those headed “ For the Mississippi and Lower Mis¬
souri.” The writer has not yet data sufficient to enter fully into the details
of the climate, but as observations are continued and are compared with those
taken at St. Louis, Cairo, and other contiguous places, more light will be
thrown on this subject.
There are many jother points in the climate of the County to which the
writer might refer, but as they are contained in the following extracts from
“ Rain-Fall and Temperature of Illinois,” by Elias Colbert, of Chicago, the
reader is referred to them .
“ The rain that falls on the State of Illinois, would average a depth of 40
inches a year, if there were no evaporation or drainage to carry the accumu¬
lated waters away. This is equal to more than 160,000,000,000 tons per
annum on the 55,405 square miles of land in the State.
The average rain-fall varies, rather irregularly with the position. It is
about 41 inches in Jackson, Union and Alexander Counties, on the southern
part of the western boundary ; 42 inches on a curved line running near
Alton, Decatur and through Crawford Counties.
The amount of rain decreases as we proceed from Alexander County to
the north-eastern part of Lake County, where it is less than 30 inches. The
reason for this variation is found in the fact that the principal rain-bearing
clouds come from the south-west, borne by the wind which blows from that
point of the compass during fully two-thirds of the year. The wind gradu¬
ally parts with its moisture in passing over the State, and therefore contains
less and less moisture as it proceeds on its journey towards the St. Lawrence
Valley. The altitude of any particular section, with the character of its
vegetation, causes slight changes in the quantity of deposited moisture, as
due to the distance from the commencement of the cloud journey over the
State. The wind coming from the north-west by west, also causes rain. It
is most prevalent over a belt which extends from north of Rock Island to a
little south of the head of Lake Michigan. Hence, the greatest rainfall in
summer, is met with on a section which averages 30 miles in breadth, and
passes nearly from West to East, through Rock Island, Henry, Bureau, La
Salle, Grand, Grundy and Kankakee Counties ; while but little rain falls in
summer, between the parallels of latitude of St. Louis and Springfield. In
winter, the least quantity of rain falls in that part of the State which is north
of the latitude and east of the longitude, of the State Capital.
The section of country situated near the Mississippi River, below Rock
Island, being out of the central track of both these winds, has less than the
average rain-fall due to latitude.
The water raised from Lake Michigan by evaporation, is carried eastward
by the prevailing winds from the South-west and North-west ; hence, it adds
little or nothing to the rain-fall of Illinois, except within a short distance
of the shore.
The actual rain-fall of any one year, may vary as much as 25 per cent,
from the average, above or below it ; but the usual variation is within the
limits of 20 per cent, from the average of a series of years.
The mean annual temperature varies from 57 i° Fahrenheit at Cairo, to
48° at Rockford. It is 47° near Chicago, owing, doubtless, to the influence
of the lake, which cools the summer more than it warms the winter. The
average at Peoria is 51°, which is a little less than the mean, between the ex¬
tremes of the State. The temperature in this State varies one degree for 42
miles of distance from the equator. The mean isothermal line of 50° passes
near Pekin, in China; Puget Sound ; Burlington, Iowa; Rock Island and
Ottawa, in Illinois ; Pittsburgh, New Haven, Dublin, Brussels and Vienna.
The average summer temperature of the State is 75°, which is considerably
above the average of the Continent for the same latitude. The summer
isothermal lines dip northward curving around the head of the lake.
Hence, the northeastern portions (which includes Chicago) is cooler in sum¬
mer than other places which are in the same latitude, but further inland.
For the same reasons, the agricultural productions of Illinois are nearer to
the tropical character than those of the country. It is principally this warmth
that makes her the great corn producing State of the Union.
The average winter temperature is a little less than that of other Slates on
the Continent in the same latitude ; hence, we have a wide annual range of
temperature. In winter, the isothermal lines wend southward as we proceed
towards the West. Chicago and its vicinity in winter, are warmer than the
average due to latitude. These differences of temperature are most strongly
marked in the middle of the summer and winter seasons. Lake Michigan,
acts an important part in determining the temperature. A body of water
becomes heated less rapidly than a land surface, when both are equally ex¬
posed to the sun’s rays : and the water parts with its heat more slowly than
the land, when both are cooling. The air over a heated surface, tends up¬
wards, and its place is supplied by the air lying over the cooler surface.
For this reason, there is a tendency in the air over the lake, to move towards
the land in summer and autumn, and from the land to the lake in the winter
and spring, which tend to reduce the inequalities of temperature, especially
in places near the lake shore. A similar tendency is noted in the daily
movement of the air from the lake in the afternoon and evening, and towards
it in the early morning.
The absence of mountain barriers for long distances permits great varia¬
tions of temperature. At Chicago, the observed range is 132°. A persistent
south-west wind, even in winter, diffuses over the State the temperature of a
southern climate ; while in summer and autumn, a continued north wind or
north-west wind, would bring cold.
The weather of Illinois is not so well understood as that of several other
States. We ought to have a series of meteorological observations, made in
every County ; and the County Agricultural Societies could not undertake a
more useful task than that of making daily observations of the thermometer
barometer and rain gauge. It would add largely to our ability to forecast
the weather, and with immense benefit to the farming community. Toe
different educational institutions of the State would find it both interesting
and useful to engage in the same labor.”
brain, fertile genius and most in¬
domitable will, be has ineffaceably in¬
scribed success upon his banner as
well in the halls of Congress as upon
the tented field. This fact is amply
illustrated by his potent and com¬
manding influence as one of the most
influential of political leaders for
years in the Republican party, and
as one of the most effective and in¬
defatigable speakers and workers for
yearn in both the House and Senate
of the United States Congress. Few
lives are more eventful, more fruit¬
ful of interest, than that of Major-
General John A. Logan, Ex-United
States Senator from Illinois. He was
born in Jackson County, Ill., Febru¬
ary 9th, 1826. His father, Dr. John
Logan, emigrated from Ireland to
Illinois in 1823. His mother, Eliza¬
beth Jenkins Logan, was a native of
Tennessee. For his earlier educa¬
tion, he was indebted mainly to the
wise teachings of his father and the
limited opportunities which the new
settlement afforded. Having im¬
proved these means, however, and
thus laid a foundation for an educa¬
tion in his youthful days a matter
alas, too often neglected by youths
blessed with superior privileges, he
afterwards became a student at tbe
Louisville University, from which, in
due course he graduated with honor.
At the commencement of the Mexi¬
can war, young Logan, fired with pa¬
triotic fervor enlisted as a private
among the Illinois volunteers. But
his manly bearing, popular gifts and
genial manners were such as to com¬
pel the respect of his fellow soldiers,
who very soon chose him to be lieu¬
tenant in a company of the First Illi¬
nois Infantry. He early evinced by
his faithful performance of duty as
a soldier, the possession of those rare
qualities befitting a military officer,
which have so distinguished him in
latter days. He was afterwards made
adjutant of the same regiment. At
the close of the war with Mexico, he
returned home, when his mind natu-
Major-General John A. Logan.
Illinois stands second to no State
in the union among the lists of those
that have contributed names illus¬
trious in history, statesmanship and
glorious and patriotic achievements
of military prowess won by undaunted
courage on fields of bloody carnage.
Illinois, the home of the immortal
Lincoln, during the dark and trying
days of the Great Rebellion, furnished
a brilliant galaxy of genius and pa¬
triotism and valor in the persons of
many of her distinguished sons whose
names are to-day as “familiar as
household words ” in the history of
our nation. Prominent among these
is the name of Gen. John A. Logan,
with a military record as brilliant
and grand as that of any hero who
ever unsheathed his sword in defence
of his country during the war of the
Great Rebellion. Jackson County,
Illinois, feels a just pride in this her
gallant son, distinguished alike upon
the field of battle and in the solemn
councils of the nation. Justice can¬
not be done by our feeble pen to this
distinguished chieftain, and statesman
of more than national fame, in the
brief limits of our space in this work.
It would require a large volume in¬
deed, to faithfully chronicle the biog¬
raphy, the public services and notable
events in -the life of this distinguished
General and statesman. We can but
give a very brief but truthful sketch
of General Logan’s history, compiled
mainly from official records, leaving
to others the delineation at length of
the General’s history, which, so varied
and eventful, so marked and original,
has imprinted itself upon the great
public events of the last score of
years so plain and legible, that he
who runs may read. Ordinarily, few
men of military prowess and practice,
are equally gifted in qualities of
statesmanship. But General Logan
is a remarkable exception. Endowed
with intellect of wonderful capacity
aud comprehension, with a logical
MAJOTC-GEN'ERAL JOHN A. LOGAN.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
rally turned to the law as a field in which its energy could have full scope.
In the fall of 1848, he began his legal studies in the law office of his uncle,
Alexander M. Jenkins, formerly Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. In No¬
vember, 1849, he was elected Clerk of Jackson County. He still pursued his
legal studies, however, attended a course of Law lectures in Louisville, and
having received his diploma, commenced the practice of his profession with
his uncle.
Young Logan was immensely popular, genial and winning in his manners,
which, with his acknowledged ability rapidly won him a high place in pub¬
lic favor. In 1852, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the Third Judi¬
cial District of his State, a position he held until 1857. In the fall of the
year 1852, he was also chosen a member of the Stare Legislature, and was
three times re-elected. In 1856, he was a Presidential elector. In 1858, he
was elected by the Democrats as a representative in Congress, and re-elected
in 1860. Up to that point, when it became evident that the South would
precipitate a struggle and seek to overthrow the Union, Logan had been
an uncompromising Democrat, and in the noted Presidential campaign of
1860, he most earnestly espoused the cause of Stephen A. Douglass, of whom
he was a most devoted friend and admirer. He strenuously advocated the
election of Douglass. But as soon as the disunion purposes of the rebellious
element were manifest, Logan, grandly rising above party and politics in his
love for the union, boldly avowed that in the event of Abraham Lincoln’s
election to the Presidency, that he would “ shoulder his musket to have him
inaugurated.” This was no idle boast, but the deliberate expression of a pur¬
pose which was afterwards most nobly executed. While in the city of Wash¬
ington, in attendance upon a called session of Congress in 1861, in the
month of July, he joined the troops of the union on their way to meet the
enemy, and fought in the ranks at the disastrous battle of Bull Run and was
of the last who left the field. He resigned his seat in Congress, feeling that
his services were of more importance at that trying hour in the field. In the
month of September, 1861, he entered the army as Colonel of the 31st regi¬
ment of Illinois Infantry. Previous to this, however, his influence in southern
Illinois was almost unbounded in rallying troops to the standard of the union.
Unabated in his ardor and confidence in the cause of loyalty by the reverses
of the Bull Run disaster, and fully realizing that the time for decisive action
had come, he had immediately returned to Southern Illinois. He canvassed
Southern Illinois, announcing his resolve to enter the service of his country,
in defense of the old “ blood-stained flag,” and by his stirring speeches of pa¬
triotic eloquence, raised thousands of troops not only for his own regiment
but for others, among them, for that of Col. U. S. Grant. Illinois’ proud
record for loyalty in that trying time when the issue hung trembling in the
balance, may in no small part be attributed to General John A. Logan.
Southern Illinois, it must be remembered, was at that time, almost entirely
Democratic, and Logan having always been previously a devout Democrat,
it was a matter of supreme importance to the State where his influence should
be thrown. Like Stephen A. Douglass the great leader of the Northern De.
mocracy, he espoused the cause of the Union, and carried with him Southern
Illinois. His command first met the enemy at the battle of Belmont, where
Col. Logan actively participating in the midst of danger had his horse shot
from under him. In this engagement be led a bayonet charge breaking the
enemies’ lines and relieving a portion of Gen. M’Clernand’s command which
were being surrounded and threatened with capture by the enemy. He led
his regiment in the attack upon Fort Henry. While leading his men in the
assault on Fort Donaldson, he was seriously wounded, which for a time disa¬
bled him from active service. As soon as possible, however, he reported
himself again for duty to Gen. Grant at Pittsburg Landing, and participated
prominently in that battle. Constantly and rapidly rising to prominence as
a military chieftain, he was, in March, 1862, duly made a brigadier general
of volunteers. He bore an important part in the movement against Corinth
and was afterward put in command of Jackson, Tenn., with orders to guard
the railroad communications. In 1862, Gen Logan was strongly urged by
his enthusiastic friends and old constituents to represent them again in Con¬
gress as a representative at large, for the State. As illustrative of his genu¬
ine devotion to the cause of the Union and of the grand and almost sublime
superiority of patriotism to partisanship which actuated his bosom in this
critical period in our nation’s history, we cannot do better than quote his
glowing words of patriotism used in reply to the urgent importunities at this
time, for him to resume the seat he had resigned in Congress. Gen. Logan
answered : “In reply I would most respectfully remind you, that a compli¬
ance with your request on my part, would be a departure from the settled
resolution with which I resumed my sword in defense and for the perpetuity
of a Government, the like and blessings of which no other nation or age shall
enjoy, if once suffered to be weakened or destroyed. In making this reply I
feel that it is unnecessary to enlarge upon what were or are, or may hereafter
be, my political views, but would simply state, that politics, of every grade
and character whatsoever, are now ignored by me, siuce I am convinced that
the constitution and life of the Republic — which I shall never cease to adore
— are in danger. I express all my views and politics when I assert my at¬
tachment for the Union. I have no other politics now, and consequently, no
aspirations for civil place and power. Ambitious men, who have not a true
love for their country at heart, may bring forth crude and bootless questions to
agitate the pulse of our troubled nation and thwart the preservation of this
Union ) but for none of such am I. I have entered the field to die, if need
be, for this Government, and never expect to return to peaceful pursuits until
the object of this war of preservation has become a fact established.”
In Gen. Grant’s Northern Mississippi campaign, General Logan c >m-
manded the Third Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps under General
McPherson, exhibiting skill and bravery so distinguished as to lead to' his
promotion to the rank of Major General, his commission bearing date Nov.
26th, 1862. He was prominently active in the movement on Vicksburg,
the seven steam-boats which ran the batteries with supplies, being manned
exclusively by men from hi9 command, and of his own selection. He con¬
tributed largely to the victory at Port Gibson ; saving the day by his person¬
al valor at the battle of Raymond ; participated in the defeat of the rebels
at Jackson, and was prominent in the battle of Champion Hills. General
Grant in his report of the battle of Champion Hills says: “ Logan rode up
at this time and told me that if Hovey could make another dash at the
enemy, he could come up from where he then was and capture the greater
part of their force, which suggestions were acted upon and fully realized.”
At the siege of Vicksburg he commanded M’Pherson’s centre and made the
assault on the 25th of June. His column first entered Vicksburg 6n its sur¬
render and he was made its military governor. The Seventeenth Army
Corps, in admiration of the man, presented him a gold medal inscribed with
the names of nine battles, in which he was eminently prominent and dis¬
tinguished. In November, 1863, he succeeded General Sherman in com¬
mand of the Fifteenth Army Corps, and during that winter had his head-
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
quarters at Huntsville, Allabama. He led the advance of the Army of the
Tennessee in the movement at Resaca, and participated in the battle that
ensued with Wood’s division. At Dallas, on the 23d of May, he met and
repulsed Hardee’s veterans, and the next day was wounded by a shot through
the left arm. At Kenesaw mountain he drove the enemy from his line of
works. At Atlanta, after the fall of General M’Pherson, he succeeded that
gallant officer in commaud of the Army of the Tennessee in that desperate
battle. General Sherman, in his report, speaking of this event says : “ Gen.
Logan succeeded him and commanded the Army of the Tennessee through¬
out this desperate battle with the same success and ability that had charac¬
terized him in the command of a corps or a division.” And in his letter to
General Halleck, of Aug. 16th, General Sherman writes : “ General Logan
fought that battle out as required, unaided save by a small brigade sent by
my orders.” On the 28th of July, he fought the battle of Ezra Chapel,
where, in the language of Sherman “ he commanded in person, and that
corps as heretofore reported, repulsed the rebel army completely.” General
Logan was efficient in the remaining battles of the war with the same dis¬
tinguished success until after the fall of Atlanta, when his troops being
ordered into camp for a respite, he went North and spent a few weeks in can¬
vassing the Western States during the Presidential Campaign of 1864.
Afterward he rejoined Sherman’s army at Savannah, Ga. From Savannah
he marched through the Carolinas participating actively in the battle of
Benton’s Cross Roads on Mill Creek. After Johnston’s surrender he marched
with his veterans to Washington city and took part in the grand review of
the victorious Union armies on the 23d of May, 1865. On the same day he
was appointed to the command of the Army of the Tennessee. When
active duty in the field was over and the war for the “ preservation of the
Union” had become “ an established fact,” the event for which he had so
ardently longed, he at once tendered his resignation, stating that he was
unwilling to draw pay when not in active service.
General Logan was offered the position of Minister to Mexico in 1865,
but declined the honor. He was elected a Representative at large to the
Fortieth Congress and re-elected to the Forty-first Congress, in which he
served as Chairman of the Committee on Military affairs, a position for which
his great experience in military matters peculiarly fitted him. He was again
re-elected to the Forty second Congress, but before taking his seat he was
elected by the Legislature of the State of Illinois, as the successor of the
Hon. Richard Yates, in the United States Senate. He entered upon the
duties of that high position March 4th, 1871. In January, 1868, a high
mark of distinction was conferred upon Gen. Logan by the Grand Army of
the Republic, in electing him to the high position of Commander rin-Chief of
the order, and in May, 1869, and also in May, 1670, he was honored with
re-election to the same position. Of General Logan’s power and ability as a
statesman, so brilliantly evinced by his, record in both Houses of our National
Congress, so well known to the whole country, it is almost superfluous for us
to speak He was a terror to his political enemies, of which every upright
and influential statesman will have many, while he was a tower of strength
to his party. His numerous speeches, both in the House and Senate of the
United States, evince the most careful study, the most logical deductions of
a wise statesmanship, the most thorough analysis of the motives and the most
biting invective and cutting ridicule of the ingenious sophistries and fallacies
of his opponents’ reasonings. Specious sophistry and plausible demagoguery
receive no quarter, no mercy at his hands. At the same time gifted by
nature with a commanding personal piercing eye and remarkable force and
energy of expression, his impassioned and eloquent utterances fall from his
lips with the force and power of the orator gifted by nature with a faculty to
woo, convince and win the judgment of the hearer. In the winter of 1876
and 1877, after one of the most prolongod and violent contests that ever
characterized the Legislature of any State, he was defeated by the combined
efforts of the Granger and Liberal and Democratic factions, the contest being
embittered the more on account of his acknowledged power in the ranks of
his own party.
Distinguished as he is, honored by the nation, he is yet in the vigor of his
manhood, and it may well be remarked of him, as he remarked of Sheridan,
Grant and Sherman, in a speech in the United States Senate, when defending
them against the calumnies of their enemies. He said : “ I say this in all
kindness, because I am speaking what future history will bear me out in;
when Sheridan, Grant and Sherman and others like them are forgotten in
this country, you will have no country.”
The name of John A. Logan shall live linked by his noble deeds with
those of Grant and Sherman and Sheridan, and the noble list of giants,
who, by their herculean efforts and undying loyalty, throttled treason and
saved the nation. The Prairie State, as she calls the roll of the honored and
revered names of Lincoln, Bissell, Grant, Yates, Oglesby and others, will
not omit to pronounce with pride the name of her gallant and illustrious son,
Maj. General John A Logan.
One of the leading lawyers of Illinois, was born in Wilson Co., Tennes¬
see, June 9th, 1828. Second child of Hon. Willis Allen and Elizabeth
Joiner, his wife. Willis Allen, a native of the same County and State, was
descended from a hardy Irish ancestry. He married Elizabeth Joiner in
1824. She was of Welch origin, born in North Carolina, and came to Ten¬
nessee with her parents when an infant. Iu March, 1829, himself and wife
emigrated to Illinois, and located about eight miles east of Marion, the
County Town of Williamson Co. (then Franklin Co.). Here he followed
agricultural pursuits until 1834, when he was elected Sheriff of Franklin
County, and was re-elected in 1836. Elected to the lower house of the Legisla¬
ture in 1838. In 1840 was elected State’s Attorney for the 3d Judicial Cir¬
cuit Southern Illinois, composed of sixteen counties. Re-electecP in 1842 ;
and in 1844 elected State Senator, and was Presidential Elector on the Polk
and Dallas ticket in the same year. Elected to Congress in 1850, and re¬
elected in 1852 ; and upon the formation of the 19th Judicial Circuit, he was
elected Judge, and died at Harrisburg, Saline County, while holding court,
April, 1859. William J. Allen, the subject of this sketch, furnishes one of
the few instances of inherited mental ability. He entered life at a period and
in a country where few, if any of his fellow-citizens, could say their hour¬
glass shifted its tranquil sands in the annexed silence of the student’s cell —
at a time when turned upon the dark and stormy tides of political passions,
man wrestled with man in fierce conflict. He was for a time a student at a
boarding-school kept by B. G. Roots, near where Tamaroanow is, and many
of his fellow-students have since attained enviable positions in life. He
became a law student in 1846, instructed by his father, and attended the
law term of the University of Louisville, in the winter of ’47, ’48. Upon
quitting the University, he was admitted a member of the Bar, and selected
as his field for practice, Metropolis, Ill., at which place he remained five
years. From there he removed to Marion, and practiced one year with his
father. Was elected to the Legislature in 1854, and in 1855 was appointed
U. S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, which position he filled
creditably during the administrations of Presidents Pierce and Buchanan.
In 1855 he became associated with Jno. A. Logan in a law co-partnership,
which continued until 1859, when he was elected to fill the vacancy occa¬
sioned by the death of his father. Iu 1861 he was elected to Congress, in
place of Logan, who resigned to join the Army, and in the same year elected
a member of the convention to revise the Constitution of Illinois, in which he
was chairman of the committee on Bill of Rights and a member of the Judi¬
ciary Committee. Was re-elected to Congress in 1862. He was also a mem¬
ber of the convention to revise the Constitution ’69, ’70. Was again made
Chairman of the Bill of Rights, and reported the present bill to the Judiciary
Committee. Was a Delegate to the Charleston convention in 1860, and at
the convention at Baltimore was on the committee of Credentials as the Dele¬
gate from Illinois. At the New York convention in 1868, which nominated
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Seymour, he was the Illinois Delegate on Committee on Resolutions, and in
1876 was Chairman of the Illinois Delegation at St. Louis, and Elector at
Large on the Tilden and Hendricks ticket. In the maturity of his manhood
it was his good fortune to make the acquaintance of Annie McKean, daugh¬
ter of Hugh Blair McKean, one of the founders of Indianapolis. She was
educated in Ohio, and with her sister came to Illinois, and settled in Wil¬
liamson County. It was here they met, and on Dec. 1, 1858, were married,
and five children have been born to them. He has fought in the lists where
giants in the law were opposed to him. In 1856, assisted by Logan, he pro¬
secuted Robt. Sloo for the murder of John E. Hall, Circuit Clerk of Gallatin
County. Opposed to him were Leonard Sweat, Col. Thomas G..S. Davis,
now of St. Louis, and Hou. John W. Cockrell, of Henderson, Ky. He was
engaged in the celebrated case of the U. S. vs. Wright, for perjury arising
under the Graduation Act, against Lincoln -and Judge Logan. Was em¬
ployed by the Governor of the State in the prosecution of the Williamson
County venditta for the murder of Henderson Spence and Sisney. Of the
three implicated, one was hung, and the rest sent to the penitentiary.
The man whose history we are recording (if indeed that can be called his¬
tory which is written during the life of an individual) may be placed at the
head of the State’s nobility. If it is to his credit to have had noble ances¬
tors — he assuredly had a noble father — and it would be difficult even for
himself to determine the influence which the father exerted upon the son —
we can say this, fortunate is the son who can claim such a father, and the
father may well rejoice in the possession of such a son. His early success, whe¬
ther it be attributed to the influence of the father, or whether it was the out¬
growth of his own efforts, rapidly developed his powers ; and while it may be
said that the times were favorable to his projects, yet the devotion of an
already extended life towards their accomplishment, suggests the inference
that he would have been a successful and distinguished man in any epoch
of the world’s history. His domestic relations are characterized by the most
intimate confidence and refined tenderness, indicating that he had from the
beginning resolved that his children should ever find their father’s absolute
devotion of thought and feeling. We must infer from his general deport¬
ment that he was always impressed with the conviction that “ fashionable
life ” was a compound of vice and folly. To politics, in the vulgar sense of
the term, he has felt an honest repugnance He has large ideas of his duty
to his country, and under any combination of circumstances would have been
an ardent, patriot. He is profoundly impressed with the importance of the
great end to be gained by providing systems and means for the education of
every child in our republic. Next to his domestic hearth, his whole beiug
has been concentrated in his duty to his profession, and it may be fairly con¬
ceded that he has achieved distinction as a logical, as well as eloquent de¬
bater, a close and concise reasoner, and profound jurist.
'
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■
■
■
'
Mankind may, primarily, be classed iD two grand divisions : workers, and
drones ; and probably in no other creation in the divine economy is the pro¬
portion of the latter to the former so great as in what poets, scholars, and
prophets all unite in calling, “ God’s greatest handiwork.” Not only is this
seeming paradox true, but it is also true, and far more to be regretted, that
while the condition of the human race has been and is now being rapidly
improved, by the energy and wisdom of the human mind, idleness, with its
concomitants, (vice, misery and crime) instead of decreasing proportionately,
is rather increasing ; and what is still more strange, the increase is not so
much among the poor and illiterate as among the descendants of the wealthy
and refined. Wealth has given comparatively little or nothing to the race ;
poverty has assisted, stimulated, and regenerated it. Poverty has given to
the world the men of most brilliant intellect, uncontrolable ambition, and
tireless energy, and from among the ranks of the poor to-day, as it has always
been, are being drawn the men who breathe the breath of life into inanimate
substances, who give us our wisdom, our letters and works of art, and who
make our laws and administer them. To this class of workers belongs the
Hon. Fontaine E. Albright. He was born in Simpson County, Kentucky,
Dec. 20th, 1815, and was the fourth child of a family of eight of Rev. Isaac
N. and India Durham Albright. His parents were natives of Tennessee, his
father being of German descent and his mother of English parentage. In
1846 they moved with their infant son to Johnson County, in this State, where
they remained a year, when they removed to Union County, where Mr.
Albright, Sr., still resides, and where his wife died in 1859. Young Albright
had few or no opportunities during his youth for acquiring an education, and
when twelve years old, commenced work in the Circuit Clerk’s office, under
Judge Thomas Hiliman. For the next three years he worked alternately,
winter and summer, in the office and on the farm, and with indefatigable in¬
dustry, devoting every spare moment to studying law. When eighteen years
old, feeling the want of a more extended knowledge of literary and scientific
subjects, he entered McKendree College, remaining there two years, and ap¬
plying himself with bis usual assiduity. In 1867 he was admitted to the
Bar, and commenced practice at Cairo. The same year he was elected Pro¬
secuting Attorney of the Court of Common Pleas, which position he held
three years. In 1871 he removed to Murphysboro’, where he immediately
secured a lucrative practice, and formed a partnership with the late Senator
Blanchard, which continued until the latter’s death. He married August
1st, 1871, Maggie S., the accomplished daughter of Judge Shannessy, of
Cairo. In 1874 he was elected representative for the 50th district, composed
of Jackson, Union and Alexander Counties. He was re-elected in 187 G.
The same energy and perseverance he displayed in getting knowledge, in
becoming proficient in his profession, and in improving his pecuniary con¬
dition, he evinced in serving his constituency. Here it was that his emi¬
nent abilities as a worker and legislator shone forth in what we fear has too
truly been called a hive of drones. He originated the bill for the regulation
of the practice of medicine; he introduced and secured the passage of the
bill granting subsidies to State and Coumy Agricultural Societies; he intro¬
duced the Compulsory Education bill, which only failed of passage by three
votes; he also introduced a bill abolishing registration, except in cities of
fifty thousand inhabitants ; he it was that made the motion by which the bill
to relieve the railroads of paying the State $3,000,000 was killed, and there¬
by relieving the tax-payers of that burden. His political sentiments are in
accord with the principles of the Democratic party, of which he is a .distinguished
member, and which he has frequently been called upon to serve. As a law¬
yer, Mr. Albright has few equals and no superiors of his age practicing at
the Bar of this State. He is a clear, terse, and logical speaker, a clever and
polished gentleman Truly au honorable and enviable record for one who
is hardly more than thirty years old, and who twenty short years ago was
following the plow, an awkward and illiterate country lad.
MURPHYSBOKO’ TOWNSHIP.
HIS township comprises the great coal-producing region of the
County It is bounded on the north by Somerset, on the east by
Carbondale, on the south by Ridge, and on the west by Sand Ridge
township. It is well timbered. The Big Muddy enters in the
north-east and leaves it in the north-west, pursuing a tortuous course.
Murphysboro’ is the largest town, and is in the northern part of the town¬
ship. It contains also several mining villages aud hamlets, among which is
Mount Carbon. It is traversed from east to west by the G- T. M. M. & T.
Co.’s Rail Road, and from north to south by the Cairo and St. Louis Nar¬
row Gauge.
James Davis, Joseph French, and the Hollidays, were the first settlers.
The soil of the township is warm, and in the lower levels very fertile.
Much of it is adapted to fruit raising. The people are frugal, industrious
aud moral. Much of the township history will be found comprised in the
history of Murphysboro’ that follows.
HISTORY OF MURPHYSBORO’.
By George Kennedy, Jr.
Murphysboro’ was laid out originally on a twenty-acre lot, which is nearly
identical with that described as the east half of the south-west quarter of
section four, town nine south, range two west, of the third principal meridian,
and which was donated for the purpose of founding the village government,
by Dr. John Logan, father of Ex-Senator John A. Logan, of Illinois. The
village was named in honor of Mr. William C. Murphy, who was one of the
commissioners in selecting the site, and who labored for favors in the State
Legislature
Murphysboro’ became the county-seat in the year 1843 ; Brownsville, the
former county- seat, having been deserted from its want of facilities, and its
distance from the centre of the County. Murphysboro’ was chosen because
it was near to the centre of the County, of a more healthful situation than
the former town, and' the fact that it could be more easily approached from
all directions. In those early times, when bridges were less often found than
now, Big Muddy River was quite an item in the transportation of goods
and people, and the presence of two shoals in close proximity to the site of
the town may be said to have influenced the commissioners in selecting the
location.
The Court House at Brownsville was burned in 1843, and was in the fol¬
lowing year rebuilt in Murphysboro’, which place has been the capital since
then. It was built upon a lot occupying the centre of the tract donated by
Dr. Logan. The centre of this square is the centre of the present city incor¬
poration. There was also built on the same square a jail, of wood, which was
used as the county prison until the latter part of 1864 or the early part of
1865. At the March term of the County Court in 1864, the sum of $15,000
was bonded for the purpose of building a jail. This amount was paid for
the present building, situated on Main street, one block south of the court
house.
The town continued under village government until 1867, when it was ot
such a population as to warrant a charter as an incorporated city. Accord¬
ingly it was organized under a special act of the Legislature of 1867, but the
instrument was one of so many faults as to be almost useless. This instru¬
ment fixed the boundaries as follows, viz. : “ A tract of land one and one-
half mile square, the centre of the present Court House square to be the
centre of said tract; provided, that this shall not include any land south of
the Big Muddy River.” This provision, excepting land on the south side of
Big Muddy was made through the influence of the Mt. Carbon Coal and
Railroad Company, whose works are mostly situated in the tract excepted.
The taxes of a young city were what this company objected to.
The incorporation is situated on a part of sections three, four, five, eight,
and nine of town nine, south, range two west, of the third principal meridian,
and part of sections thirty-two, thirty-three, and thirty-four of town eight,
south, range two west, in Jackson County ; being about one hundred and
seventy-eight miles south of Springfield, and fifteen miles east of the Missis¬
sippi River. The whole of the incorporation is not laid out as yet in blocks
and streets; but since the original plat was made many additions have been
made. In these additions great irregularity has been allowed, and now many
streets are seen to stop directly in front of dwellings in several parts of the
city. It is a fact, maps of the city until late years have shown one street
with neither outlet nor inlet.
Under the provisions of the charter, the first City Council was elected in
1867. Michael F. Swartzcope was elected Mayor, but declined to serve, in
consequence of which John Ford was elected. The following gentlemen
composed the Board of Aldermen : Hugh Crawford, John F. Cover, Conrad
Schrodt, and Wm. H. Logan, vice Adam Bryden, declined to serve. The
other officers were: City Clerk, Charles W. Schirmer ; City Treasurer,
Thomas M. Logan ; City Attorney, J. Banks Mayham ; Police Magistrate,
John M. Hanson.
The following gentlemen were afterward ch >sen Mayor, viz. : In 1868,
Frederic C. Bierer ; in 1869 and 1870, Israel Blanchard; in 1871, Martin
A. Ros« ; in 1872, Hugh Crawford; in 1873, Thomas F. Hord; in 1874;
John B. Mayham; in 1875, Martin A. Ross; in 1876 and 1877, John M.
Gill, the present incumbent. The present Board of Aldermen comprises
Messrs. H. H. Fox, G. H. C. Bodeker, M. A. Ross, Wm. A. Saylor, Beuj.
Spieth, and O. L. Mahoney. Police Magistrate, W. S. Murphy; City At¬
torney, J. Brett; Marshal, J. Fitzgerald; Street Commissioner, Medard
Lucier.
Around Murphysboro’ are distributed quite a number of smaller towns,
mostly inhabited by the employees of the public works. Mount Carbon, on
the south side of Big Muddy River, is composed of numerous collections of
houses, known by the local names of “White Row,” “ Brown Row,’
“ Smoky Row,” “ Fiddlers’ Row,” etc., which have been given them by rea¬
son of some peculiarity of locality or color of the houses. The Gartside
mines, and the Lewis mines and coke ovens have collected in their imme¬
diate vicinity a number of tenement houses for the occupancy of their work¬
men. These last are mostly on the line of the Cairo and St. Louis Narrow
Gauge Railroad.
In the year 1875 the city was, by vote of the people, organize 1 under the
General Incorporation Law, with the same boundaries as under the charter.
The city was then divided into three wards to be represented by two aider-
men each, whereas before there had been but four, thus making six. An
ordinance was then adopted limiting the building of frame houses above a
certain size in any of the blocks adjacent to the Court House square, and as
a consequence a look of stability and beauty is gradually growing upon this
portion of the city. On the lots adjacent to the square are the brick houses of
Messrs. Desberger, Willis, Andrews, Gill, Kent and Palmer, King, Kennedy,
Logan, Crawford, Hord, Rodgers, W. S. Murphy and H. H Fox, together
with the County Prison, for which so much was paid. By judicious legisla¬
tion they have been weeding out, so to speak, the tumble-down structures
which for so long a time disgraced the streets and jeopardized the safety of
life and property.
In the year 1810 coal was first mined in the vicinity of Murphysboro’, on
69
70
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, \ ILLINOIS.
the south side of the Big Muddy. The coal thus mined was shipped to New
Orleans in flat-boats. From that time to the present, public works of one
kind or another have been in constant operation in and around Murphysboro’.
In 1822 Governor Joseph Duncan loaded several boat-loads of coal for the
market at New Orleans. For a long time coal mining was the only public
industry, of whatever kind, carried on within the region around Murphys¬
boro’, although salt was manufactured from the saline springs at Brownsville,
only five miles distant.
The Jackson County Coal Company operated in this section for many
years, carrying the coal from the drift at Murphysboro’, on the south side of
Muddy, to a point on this river below the “ fish-trap ” shoal, where now the
Narrow-Gauge railroad crosses, in small cars, on a sort of tramway.
This company continued operations until early in the year 1864, at which
time the Grand Tower Mining, Manufacturing and Transportation Company
began work by purchasing from the older company their works and lands.
This company has ever since been in successful operation, although at one
time it was virtually bankrupted by reason of a failure in a coal contract,
caused by a strike of their coal miners, in 1870. This event is spoken of by
the people generally as the “great strike.” It was an event long to be
remembered by everyone who was in Murphysboro’ at the time, — the
troublesome time with the “ black-legs,” the terror of those who were so
called. During this time the police courts were rarely out of work.
A ralilroad twenty-five miles in length was built by this company, exteod-
ing from Carbondale, on the line of the Illinois Central railroad, through
•Mt. Carbon, built up on the south side of Muddy, at Murphysboro', to
Grand Tower, on the Mississippi river.
Along the line of the railroad at this point they sunk three coal shafts,
and supplied them with the necessary machinery for hoisting, etc., beside
continuing to work the drift of the Jackson County Company spoken of
beforp. One of these shafts has been since burned, but not till after an un¬
derground connection had been formed with each of the other two, by means
of which coal could be taken from the one burned.
The first train over the road, after its completion, was in 1867, drawn by
the engine “ Logan,” and in charge of Peter M. Post, conductor.
In prosperous times this company has in its employ constantly from one
thousand to twelve hundred men at the works in Mt. Carbon. This com¬
pany also built at Mt. Carbon a saw-mill, which was burned, aud rebuilt
soon after. Afterward were built a machine shop, a car shop, a foundry, an
engine house, and turn-table. The car shop was burned, and has never been
rebuilt. The machine shop and foundry are each in successful operation,
doing all the new work and repairing for the various departments of the
works. They built a railroad depot and store-room, which has been burned,
and since have been built separate buildings near the former site.
The Cairo and St- Louis Narrow Gauge Railroad passes through the
western part of the town,. and along the line of this road have been built
numerous houses, which present a great contrast when compared with the
corn fields which before occupied the scene of their construction. It was
completed from St. Louis to Murphysboro’ in the year 18 — , but from Cairo
to this point it was not completed until in the year 18 — -
This road, although on an unsound basis financially, is nevertheless quite
useful, in that it materially increases the convenience of communicating with
the outer world. The freight tariff is quite an item with the people of Mur¬
physboro’, aud it has materially decreased the same. The coal resources
north of Muddy have been developed by its influence.
The attention of capitalists was early called to the vast coal deposits in
Jackson County, and especially around Murphysboro’, as being the best and
most marketable coal in the West. After the building of the Cairo and St.
Louis Narrow Gauge became a certainty, great tracts of land were either
purchased or leased by these capitalists for the purpose of taking coal there¬
from. This coal was to be shipped to the St. Louis market by way of this
railroad.
The Gartside Coal Company purchased the coal under many acres of land
north of Murphysboro’, the owners reserving the surface for purposes of
agriculture. Other tracts were purchased outright by this company. Along
the line of the railroad it erected four shafts, supplied with engines and the
necessary appurtenances for hoisting, all of which are within two miles of
Murphysboro’. To one of these, No. 2, is attached a saw-mill, with which is
manufactured lumber sufficient for all the building of the company, either
the necessary shops, etc., or the tenement houses which have been built for
the accommodation of the employees. Two of the four shafts built are suf¬
fered to lie idle for want of market for the products. The two worked are,
however, capable of producing three thousand tons of coal per w^ek. When
doing full work they make work for seven hundred men.
The Lewis Coal Company has purchased both land and coal in great
quantities farther north than the Gartside, and have sunk one shaft on the
farm of Mr. Samuel Bouscher, two miles north of Murphysboro’. This
shaft makes work for four hundred hands, and is capable of loading in the
railroad cars two thousand tons of coal per week. A Coke Company has
been established during the past winter of 1876, and has- built ovens near
the shaft of the Lewis Company, and proposes to convert the otherwise un¬
saleable “ slack ” into coke. These works employ numerous hands, and have
caused the building of a respectable village near the scene of the daily labor
of the occupants.
The Mount Carbon mines are capable of producing six thousand tons per
week, Gartside six thousand, and Lewis two thousand, making the enor¬
mous amount of fourteen thousand tons of coal per week, which might be.
sent out from this point with the present facilities, which might be increased
if there was a demand equal to the supply.
The amount of general merchandise which is necessarily consumed by
these laborers in such works, and the quantities of produce usually inter¬
changed for supplies by an agricultural community like that which surrounds
Murphysboro’ on every side, is very great. Consequently many stores 'are
indispensable to the general welfare, and this accounts for the many mer¬
chants in the town.
Murphysboro’, like all other villages away from any other great thorough -
fare, was possessed of primitive customs aud people. The stores were few,
and not by any means wealthy. Every storekeeper was obliged to keep in
stock a little of almost every sort of merchandise. As the town grew, so
grew the stores ; but the merchant finds it very hard to sell out one part of
his business without selling all of it. Many of the first merchants in the
town are here and in business yet; and each store which has been of later
origin has found it necessary in order to gain trade, to introduce a mixed
stock, consequently the stores of Murphysboro’ are very much on the order
of the medley.
There are at present doing business in the city no less than nineteen stores
in which groceries form a portion of the stock. Of these, nine have for sale
more or less dry goods, and five of these have a department of clothing, and
all keep boots aud shoes. Of the nineteen, eleven keep tinware, while only
two of them are hardware stores, and these are also furniture and general
house-furnishing stores. Four drug stores, three of which keep stationery
and books, are in business in the city at present.
Five butcher’s shops, six shoe shops, one harness shop, one tailor shop, one
cigar factory, two tin shops, one watch aud jewelry shop, six smith shops,
one planing mill, one foundry, sixteen saloons and five restaurants, together
with a wholesale liquor establishment and three millinery stores, make up
the business portion of the town.
Beside these, there are two mills and a foundry which deserve notice. One
of these, owned by Messrs. Yantis& Covey, is locatedin the south part of the
city, near the Big Muddy. This mill was built in the year 1854, aud has
been running ever since, this being the oldest mill, except one within the
borders of Jackson County. The present proprietors have greatly improved
the machinery and workings of the mill, and it is now capable of producing
seven hundred barrels of flour per week.
The other, owned by Messrs. Gill & Ford, is located in the north-west part
of the city. This mill is nearly new, and is situated where was formerly one
burned dowD, owned by Mr. J. M. Gill, one of the present proprietors.
A plaining mill and general wood-working establishment, is located near
the last named mill, and is owned and operated by Mr. H. S. McElhose.
Messrs. James and Walter Alexander, practical machinists, have erected, on
the line of the Cairo & St. Louis Railroad, in the southwest part of the town,
a machine shop and a foundry. They are prepared to do all kinds of cast¬
ing and machine work. Some of the largest and most beautiful of the
builders’ iron work used in the city, has been manufactured at their foundry.
They experienced a severe loss by the burning of the building used as a
foundry, some years ago.
Two brick-yards are now in operation and manufacture all the brick
used in the building in the city, and many thousands are shipped by way of
the Narrow Gauge R. R. to foreign points.
Two wagon and carriage shops and four general blacksmith shops are kept
busy by the farmers and the citizens in the repair of their implements ami
in the manufacture of new work.
In September, 1856. the Methodist Episcopal Church building was dedi-
Judge George W. Andrews, the present Judge of Jackson county, is a
native of Ohio, born near Dayton, February 22, 1842, and is the sixth of a
family of eleven children of Samuel and Margaret Andrews. The elder,
Andrews was born in the state of Pennsylvania, and settled in Ohio about
the year 1809. Having come there with his parents, and now at an ad¬
vanced age is hale and hearty. George W., when young, received his liter¬
ary education at. the Hayesville College, Ohio, and subsequently became a
student at the University of Michigan, where his education was completed.
On his return home in the spring of 1863 he commenced reading law in the
office of McMahon & Houk, of Dayton, and during the fall and winters of
1863 ’64, and ’65 he attended the law department of the University of Michi¬
gan, graduating in the spring of ’65. He soon after commenced the prac¬
tice at Jonesboro’, Ill., remaining there only a short time, when he located
in De-Soto, and became a law partner of Prof. Cyrus Thomas. In the spring
of 1866 he moved to Murphy sboro’, where he has since resided. Here his
ability and energy soon won him a fair share of the practice. In politics he
has always been a strong Democrat, and is one of the able and efficient
workers for the success of his party in the county.
On the 19th December, 1867, he was married to Miss Jennie S. Howe, and
they have been blessed with an interesting family of four children, all of
whom are living. The Judge is a prominent member of the Masonic order,
being a Sir Knight, and has also attained a membership in the encampment of
the honored orderof Odd Fellows. In 1867he was appointed by Judge Greene,
who was the Presiding Judge of the circuit, to the office of Master in Chan¬
cery, and held the office for ten consecutive years, discharging the duties with
eminent satisfaction to the citizens of the county. In the fall of 1877 he was
the candidate of the Democratic party for the office of County Judge, and
was elected over his opponents, Messrs. Pugh and Stevens, there being , three
parties in the field. As a lawyer, the Judge has always stood well with the
members of the Bar, and his election will attest more than anything we could
say of the appreciation and confidence reposed in him by his fellow-citizens.
COUNTY JUDGE
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
71
cated. This building was the first, and for a long time the only church edi¬
fice in the town. It is located one square west of the south-west corner of
the Court-house Square ; is a frame building, one story high, and about forty
by sixty feet on the inside. The M. E. society also owns a parsonage, which
is located in Logan’s last addition to the city, directly on the west end
of Manning street.
The Presbyterians attempted the construction of a church building many
years ago, but failed in the attempt. They went as far as to enclose a two-
story frame building, which was afterwards abandoned and used as a shelter
by all the hogs, "cattle, horses, etc., in the neighborhood, which were allowed
to run at large, while windows were used as targets for the boys to practice
the art of throwing stones. The building was finally purchased by a gentle¬
man and transformed into an opera house in the upper story and a dram¬
shop below. It is now used only as the headquarters of the Egyptian fire
company, and as a place for keeping their hook and ladder apparatus.
The Baptists afterward built a church near the northwest corner of the
square, but were unable to pay for it, and it was afterward sold under mort-.
gage, being now used as a butcher’s shop.
The Rome Catholic Church was the next built. This society built a one-
story frame house in the southeast part of the town. They also built a
dwelling-house for the occupancy of their priest. Afterward they erected a
commodious school-house, one story, and well lighted by large windows.
These three buildings are all situated on the same plat of ground.
The First Evangelical Lutheran Church is situated about the middle of
Short street, on the south side. It is a brick structure, the largest church
building in town.
The Episcopal Methodist denomination next built a church of brick, one
block northwest of the square, and was unable to pay for it. It was afterward
sold under Deed of Trust, and is at present rented by the various denomina¬
tions as a place of worship.
The Lutheran, Methodist Episcopal, and Roman Catholic societies each
support a stationed minister.
The German Evangelical Church have no building, but a minister sup¬
ports himself by preaching to the German citizens on Sunday and teaching
a school for their children during the week.
Ever since the County was organized, there has been a public school at
Murphysboro’. For a long time school was taught in a log-house near where
the south end of Broad street now is. Dr. Cyrus Thomas, of the Southern
Illinois Normal University, formerly taught school in the town. Afterward
a frame structure near the end of Main street was built and occupied until
1867, when the present building of brick was built and equipped for school
purposes. The building has a capacity for five hundred students, and is at
all times filled. The colored children are furnished with a teacher in a build¬
ing near the Big Muddy. The teachers in the public school number six, one
principal and five assistants. The Catholic Church has built a school-house
and employ a teacher. About one hundred children attend this school as
students.
The Egyptian Hook and Ladder Fire Company have been lately furnished
with appurtenances for a hook and ladder company, with their headquarters
on Cherry street near the county jail.
The Murphysboro’ Silver Cornet Band was organized some months ago,
and are prepared to discourse music and all the other wonderful things usu¬
ally done by bands.
The German citizens have purchased a piece of ground in the north part
of the city and have organized a Turner’s Association. They have prepared
a park and spend their leisure time in amusing themselves there.
The Jackson County Agricultural Board own a fair ground just north of
the city, and hold their annual fairs and meetings in these grounds.
Odd Fellows and Masons each have a hall where they hold meetings regu¬
larly.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. J. BANKS MAYHAM,
Ex-Mayor of Murphysboro’. Usually in delineating the life-record of those
who have distinguished themselves at the Bar of the State, we have had
occasion to speak of those who were veterans in that body, and who have
passed the major portion of their active careers. ■ But in this instance it is
our pleasant duty to speak of one whose career, though comparatively bril¬
liant, is not threaded with the silver lines of age.
J. Banks Mayham is a native of Schoharie County, New York, born Feb¬
ruary 10th, 1841, being the youngest child of John Mayham. At the early
age of fourteen J. Banks was thrown on his own resources. He attended
for a time the New York Conference Seminary, and Union Literary Institute,
at Warnerville, New York. We are not informed much as to his boyhood
history, but understand that there was that in his composition and general
deportment in youth which was prognostic of future usefulness and success
in any of the avocations of life in which he should subsequently embark.
Early manifesting a longing desire to enter upon a professional life, he cast
about him and carefully weighed the opportunities that presented themselves
for the gratification of his wishes. This done he was not long in making up
his determination to become a lawyer.
He therefore became a law student in the office of his brother, Hon. S. L.
Mayham, (now representative in Congress from the 15th district, New York),
admitted by the supreme court of New York to the Bar December, 1862 ;
opened an office a short time after, at Blenheim, New York. After a brief stay
there he moved to Dartford, Green Lake County, Wisconsin, where he lived
until the spring of 1865, when, believing a change would be beneficial to his
health, where the climate was milder, he concluded to seek a home further
south, and in May, 1865, he came to Murphysboro’, where he began practice.
In the spring of 1874 he was elected mayor of the city of Murphysboro’, and was
by re-election for three years, continued as city attorney, and has always been a
democrat in politics. His success in life, as we have indicated, is the result of
his own industry and persistent energy, as he started in the world wholly de¬
pendent upon his own unaided endeavors. Manfully and well he struggled,
step by step, toward the goal of his ambition, until long ere he reached the
meridian of life, he was enabled to repose beneath his own vine and fig-tree.
A view of his home and a portrait of Mr. Mayham graces another page of
this work. He, like thousands of other young men who have risen from
comparative obscurity to prominence, was doubtless inspired with the poetical
idea that the
“ Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us,
Footprints on the sands of time.”
Mr. Mayham was united in matrimony on the 10th of September, 1873,
to Miss Emma B. Jauacey of this County. One daughter has blessed this
union.
72
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
CHARLES KIRKHAM, Esq.
Few counties possess a set of officials so popular as those of Jackson. The
persons who fill the county offices, besides being men of honor and integrity,
are gentlemen whose social feelings and generous impulses have won them a
warm place in the affections of the people of the County. None will gainsay
that this is true of Charles Kirkbam, who is now serving his first term as
County Clerk. He was born at New Haven, Gallatin Co , Ill., Dec. 5, 1845,
he being the second child of Col. Robert Kirkham and Mary (Melvin) Kirk-
ham, his wife. Col. Kirkham became a resident of this County in 1865, and
remained here until the fall of ’77, when he removed to Anna, Union County,
Ill. He took part in the late war as the gallant Col. of the 56th Reg’t Ill.
Vol. After he had been in the service only a short time, and when near
Corinth, on a forced march, he was kicked by a horse, and owing to that and
much exposure, he became paralyzed in the left side, in consequence of which
disability he resigned. Charles Kirkham, when a boy, received his rudi¬
mentary culture in the schools of Gallatin County, and subsequently attended
three years at Illinois College, Jacksonville. Soon after his return from
college, he became a clerk on the steamer Hambleton, which was in the
commissary department of the Government service, which plied principally
on the Lower Mississippi and Red Rivers. In the winter of 1865 Mr. Kirk¬
ham moved with his parents to Carbondale, and for a short time was engaged
in merchandizing, then turned his attention to farming, which avocation he
followed for four years ; was afterwards deputy Post Master at Carbondale
for two years. In December, 1873, he moved to Murphysboro’, and was ap¬
pointed deputy County Clerk under Benj. JohnsoD, Esq., and in the fall of
1877 was elected to the office of County Clerk, as the candidate of the Repub¬
lican party, he being the only Republican candidate of the whole ticket who
was elected, and this of itself will attest more than anything we could say of
the appreciation and popularity he is held in by the citizens of old Jackson.
He is' credited by all with having inaugurated many very salutary reforms
in the office, and it is probably to that cause that he owes much of his popu¬
larity. By his courteous and affable manners he has made a host of friends,
and as an honest, efficient and able officer, he has won the respect and confi¬
dence of the people. Having spoken of his public career, we will now men¬
tion a few of the incidents of his private life. In his domestic relations he
has been equally as fortunate and happy, having married Miss Jennettie,
the amiable daughter of the venerable Dr. J. M. Hamilton, of Carbondale.
By this marriage they have been blessed with four children, one of whom
died in infancy. Three daughters yet survive to make merry the happy
home of their parents.
ROBERT W. HAMILTON.
Robert W. Hamilton, the present Circuit Clerk of Jackson County,
was born in White County, Illinois, April 8th, 1843, and was the second
child of Dr. J. M., and F. A. Hamilton. Dr. Hamilton is a native of
Kentucky, but came to this state in 1822, where he has since resided. The
early life of Robert was spent in Carbondale, where he attended the public
schools. 'In May 1862, when hardly out of his teens he entered the army,
in which he made an honorable record for himself. He enlisted in company
F, 81st Illinois infantry, under command of Colonel Dollens, and was mus¬
tered in at Anna, Union County. The regiment went immediately to Cairo,
thence to Mississippi, where they were engaged in the campaign against the
Confederate Generals, Price and Van Dorn. He with his regiment, was
engaged in the battles before Vicksburg, and was present at its siege and
capture, after which he was placed on detached duty in the recruiting ser¬
vice. He then returned to bis home in Jackson County, when after a stay
of six weeks he rejoined bis regiment in St. Louis, who were then pursuing
General Price. After the capture of Marmaduke in Mo., they went to
Nashville, Tennessee, and were engaged in its defence, and in following
Hood through Tennessee, and afterward transfered to the army of the
Gulf, under command of General Canby. They participated in the siege
and capture of a Spanish Fort at Mobile, and were then sent to garrison
Montgomery, Alabama. They were mustered out at Vicksburg, August
11th, 1865, from where they went to Chicago, and were paid off and dis¬
charged. During the last year of his service Mr. Hamilton was in com¬
mand of his company, and was breveted lieutenant. On his return home,
he was appointed deputy postmaster at Carbondale, and in 1867, received
the appointment of Postmaster, which position he acceptably filled for five
years. Juoe 24th, 1868, he married Miss Gertrude, daughter of Dr. G. L.
Owen, of Williamson County. They have had four children, two of whom
are now living. Mr. Hamilton is one of the most efficient and active mem¬
bers of the Republican party in his county. In 1872, he was elected, and
in 1876 re-elected, to the reponsible office which he now holds, a fact that
sufficiently attests his popularity and qualification. In deportment, Mr.
Hamilton is a courteous and affable gentleman, which united with honest and
industrious habits, and a noble and patriotic career as a soldier, has secured
him the respect and confidence of the people of his County. He is still quite
a young man, and judging from the activity, and success of his past life and
the probity that has governed it, one, who has a useful and honorable career
before him.
THOMAS M. LOGAN.
John Logan, the grandfather of the subject of this history, emigrated
from Ireland, and settled in Maryland in 1793, afterwards moving to
Ohio, and finally to Missouri in 1819. His son, Dr. John Logan, the father
of Thomas M., was born 1786, and was about fourteen years old, when he
arrived in this country with his parents. While living in Ohio, he engaged
in stock trading. And while on a trip, he met at Vicksburg, Dr. Lem.
Claibone, who seeing young Logan had a natural aptitude for business, and
a quick intelligence, induced him to devote some time to study, promising
him assistance. Young Logan readily availed himself of the opportunity,
and applied himself assiduously to getting knowledge, and the study of bis
profession. After receiving his degree, he commenced to practice at Apple
Creek, Missouri, where his parents resided, and where he married Miss Lara-
more, by whom he had one daughter, still living. His wife lived only
eighteen months, and after her death Dr. Logan removed to Burnsville,
Jackson County, where he married Elizabeth, daughter of John, and sister
of Ex-Lieutenant Gov. Jenkens. They had a -family of nine children, four
of whom are still living. The illustrious John A., Thomas M., James V.,
and Mrs. Dorthula A. Rogers. Among those he lost, was Wm. H., a
young and promising lawyer, and at one time member of the legislature.
Dr. Logan originally owned the property on which Murphysboro’ now
stands, and gave twenty acres of land on which to locate the county build¬
ings. He there built, and for many years conducted the Logau House,
where he died Nov. 4th, 1853. He had great force of character, and was
highly esteemed both as a public man, and private citizen. His wife sur¬
vived him a number of years, and died Oct. 15th, 1874. Thomas M., their
second son, had only such advantages as were to be found in the country in
those early days, and which were limited enough. The wheels of progress
and education had not then as now, beguu to steadily move, and send their
mighty pulsations to every part of the habitable globe. He spent his youth
in working upon the farm, occasionally attending school in a log cabin.
He married Dec. 18th, 1851, Miss Aletha Gill, whose parents were among
the early settlers. She died Sep. 15th, 1856, mourned as a devoted Christian
wife and mother. Mr. Logan devoted a great deal of time and attention to
the improvement of blooded horses, and has numbered among his stud,
some of the finest blooded horses of southern Illinois. Among them the
mare Pet, sired by the imported thoroughbred Onis. He raised the cele¬
brated stallion Onis, also sired by the above, and the well-known Prophet,
he purchased from the stud of Col. Euglish, of Tennessee. He raised the
noted Blind Tom, known as the sire of some of the best colts in the country,
and now owns several thoroughbred mares, the noted pacer, Straight Edge,
and some fifteen promising colts. A representation of some of these fine
animals may be seen in another portion of this work. Mr. Logan during
the war raised a company, and joined the 31st regiment Illinois volunteers.
He married Aug. 27th, 1873, MissSallie Olliver. Mr. Logan is one of those
energetic and progressive men, who have done so much for the advancement
of the agricultural interests of this state.
JOHN B. KIMBALL,
Ex-Sheriff of Jackson County, and merchant, was born, March 27, 1839, in
Posey County, Indiana, being the only child of William G. and Sarah
(Blair) Kimball. The elder Kimball was descended from a long line of
German ancestry, noted for their piety and pure morals ; and these attri¬
butes of character have not been lost in his descendants. His wife was of
Celtic origin. Wm. G. Kimball was also a native of Posey County, Indiana.
His father, Charles Kimball, the grandfather of John B., was born in Con¬
necticut. The wife of Wm. G. was born in the State of Kentucky. She
Of the many citizens of Illinois who distinguished themselves in the late civil war,
prominent among the number appears the name of Col. Ingram, a gallant and brave
officer, and energetic and active citizen, who when th'^ tocsin of war was sounded,
promptly responded to the defence of the imperilled flag ana Constitution of his beloved
couhtry. He is descended from a long line of ancestors, noted for their bravery and
heroism in times of peril, and for their business energy and force of character in
times of peace. He was bom on the eighth of Nov- 1830, at Greenville, Mulilenburg
county, Ky., being the eldest child of James and Nancy Ann (Reno) Ingram. The
ancestors of James Ingram, were of English descent and they emigrated at an early day
and settled in Virginia, and it was in that state he was born. His parents subsequently
moved to Ky., when he was a small child. When he grew to manhood he became a
large planter. The wife of James Ingram was of French extraction, her father a native
of Paris, who moved to and settled in Muhlenburg co., Ky., where he resided until his
death. In 1840 James Ingram moved with his family to and settled on a farm near
Centralia, Ill., which place was his home until his death, which occurred Aug. 4, 1855.
His widow survived him until June 10th, 1877, breathing her last at the residence of
her son, Col. Ingram. _ .
Wm. T. Ingram, when a boy, and during the years preceding manhood, received his
literary culture at the Academy of Greenville, Ky. About the age of twenty he became
a student of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Jost, a celebrated physician of Muh¬
lenburg co. In 1853 he commenced practice at Xenia, Clay county, Ill., subsequently
attended the Medical Dept, of the University of Louisville, graduating from that insti¬
tution in 1856. He remained in the practice at Xenia two years, then removed to John-
sonville, Wayne co., Ill., and in the spring of 1859 located at Benton, Franklin county,
and there in addition to the practice of his profession he engaged in merchandizing. On
the 25th July, 1861, he enlisted in Co. F., 40th Regt., Ill. Vol, and was mustered in at
Camp Butler with the rank of 1st Lieutenant of Co. F. Stephen G. Hicks was Col. of
the Regt. After being mustered in, they proceeded at once to the seat of war. (We
clip the following from Sergeant E. J. Hart’s History of the 40th Reg-, Ill. Vol. Inf.
“ Lieutenant Wm, T. Ingram was a fine officer, made a splendid military appearance,
and was an able and promising officer. He served some time as aid-de-camp to Col.
McDowell, who commanded the brigade to which our regiment belonged. In the battle
of Shiloh the lieutenant served in that position and displayed great heroism. At the
time of Capt. Shirley’s discharge, or on the 29th of October, 1862, Lieutenant Ingram
was promoted to Captain, in which rank he served till, on account of ill health, he was
honorably discharged, on the 26th day of January, 1863.” He also participated in the
siege of Corinth, after which they were ordered to Holly-Springs, Mississippi, thence to
Memphis, where he was placed in command of a battery of artillery, at the upper end
of Fort Pickering, at a place then known as the Cotton Sheds, and remained there four
months, under the supervision of General Sherman, subject to his orders only. Imme¬
diately after the battle of Shiloh, he was placed in charge of a brigade by special order
of Gen. Sherman, as Brigade Surgeon. On the 26th Nov., 1862, they started for Vicks¬
burg by land, and just prior to the capture of Holly-Spring, reached Cold-Water Station,
Miss., and in consequence of the capture of the above place, they fell back on Holly
Springs, were there about a week, then tell back to Davis’s Mills, Miss The hard
marches and exposures, incident to camp life, so told on his constitution and health,
that on the 26th January, 1863, he resigned. The cause of his resignation was rheuma¬
tism of the shoulder and right arm, which caused paralysis of the arm, and produced
total disability. Returning to Benton after recuperating his health, he there engaged in
merchandising and hotel-keeping, and during the summer of 1863 was acting Provost
Marshall of the 11th Congressional District. And, owing to the prevalence of many sym¬
pathizers of the rebel cause in Southern HI., he found himself occasionally in situations
of no small peril. In January, 1864, he visited about four weeks a brother, who was
attending Rush Medical College, Chicago, and during the month of May, 1864, he raised
the 136th Regiment, Ill. Vol., mustered in at Centralia, June 1st, and was commissioned
Col. of the Regiment. On the 3d June they started for Columbus, Ky., where they
rendezvoused for about four months, during which time they made frequent raids into
the surrounding country, once as far as Mayfield, Ky. Not, however, having any regular
battles, their time having expired over a month, they were ordered to Chicago to be
mustered out. On reaching Chicago, Col. Ingram received an order from Gen. Rosen-
cranz to report at once to his headquarters at St. Louis, to resist in repelling Price’s ad¬
vance. On reaching St. Louis they fitted up to follow Price. However, the order was
soon countermanded, and his regiment were placed on garrison duty, in the forts, built
by Gen. French, in 1861, for protection of the city. The Col. made his headquarters at
the “ Old Adam’s House,” cor. 7th and Grasort St., remained in St. Louis near a month,
then ordered to Springfield, Ill., and mustered out there Oct. 22d, 1864. The Col.
returned to Benton, sold out his place of business, and moved to Cairo. Having been
appointed a member of the U. S. secret service, with headquarters in that city, was in
the employ of the Government until June 19th, 1865, when the office was abolished on
the 20th the same month. He came to De-Soto, practiced medicine there and atElkville,
until 1870; then returned to Jeffersonville, Wayne co., and was there engaged in mer¬
chandizing, farming and the practice. On June 1st, 1866, he went to St. Louis, there
engaged quite largely in the drug business, besides attended to the duties of a growing
practice. In January, 1877, he located in Murphysboro’, and almost immediately entered
upon a lucrative practice. Being a man of large energy and having a little leisure, he
fills in the spare time by loaning money. We have here given a succinct and condensed
narrative of the Colonel’s public career. We will now close by speaking of his more pri¬
vate relation in life. He was married March 16th, 1851, to Miss Susan Vaught of
Muhlenburg county, Ky . By that marriage six children were born to them, four of whom
are still living. Fannie is the wife of George W- Hill, one of the leading young mem¬
bers of the Jackson county bar. Mrs. Ingram died in November 1870 at De Soto, and
on the 6th June, 1872, the Colonel was married to his present wife, Mrs. Mary 4.
Rinard, the only daughter of John Moore, one of the prominent farmers of Wayne co.
Previous to the war in politics, he was a Douglas democrat ; after tbe commencement of
the war he became strongly identified with the republican party and the cause of the
Union. For the last five years he hat been an advocate of the Working-man’s party, new
known as the Greenback party.
00 J- ^
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, , ILLINOIS.
73
died when her son John was only a year old. Her husband survived her
only about two years. Thus, at the early age of three years, the subject of
our sketch was thrown on his own resources. He lived with his grandmother
and one of his uncles until the age of seventeen, when he set out to do for
himself; about all he had to assist him was a good constitution, strong arms
and willing bands, and these are the surest precursors of success. Being de¬
sirous of having some good business, he became an apprentice to learn the
miller’s trade. In 1856 he moved to Golconda, Pope County, Ill. ; resided
there two years ; then went to Blairsville, Williamson County, and obtained
a position in a mill. Here he became acquainted with and married Miss
Malinda H. Phillips, April 9th, I860. She was the daughter of William F.
Phillips. To bless their union, Mr. Kimball and wife have had born to
them eight children (four boys and four girls), all of whom are living.
On the 9th of February, 1861, Mr. Kimball moved to Murphysboro’.
Here he continued engaged in milling, and subsequently moved to Carbon-
dale, where he lived two years, returned to Murphysboro’ in 1873, and in
the fall of 1874 he was a candidate of the Democratic party for the office of
Sheriff and Collector, and was elected by 132 majority. He proved to be an
excellent, efficient, and honest officer. It is said that he, more than any
other man, detected and arrested and assisted in suppressing the Callahan
Clan, and bringing them to their merited punishment. Under his adminis¬
tration he was fortunate in not having any prisoners to escape. After his
term of service expired he was a candidate for re-election, being defeated.
Soon after he opened the store on the north side of the Public Square. As
a merchant he is popular, affable, and courteous. He keeps always on hand
a good stock of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, etc., etc., and ranks among
the most enterprising merchants of the city.
In politics he has always been a Democrat; and his friends say they
always know where to find John B. Kimball when it comes to an election.
He is a very temperate man in all his habits, and since the age of fifteen he
has never taken a dram of intoxicating liquors as a beverage- He is a man
of the most straightforward rectitude in business ; and during his whole life
he has never, personally, sued or been sued. His honesty is never put in
question. Well has the poet said, —
“ Who is the honest man?
He that dotli still and strongly good pursue,
To God, his neighbors, and himself most true;
Whom neither force nor fawning can
Unpin, or wrench from giving all their due,”
He is in every sense of the word a self-made man ; and, as such, we take
pleasure in presenting this sketch to our many readers. A portrait of Mr.
Kimball and a view of his elegant residence appears elsewhere in this work.
Hon. THOMAS F. HORD,
Ex-Mayor of Murphysboro’, was born in the State of Missouri, September
13, 1840, being the eldest living child of Dr. W. H. Hord (deceased) and Ann
W. Hord, his wife. (The Doctor’s biography also appears in this work.)
Thomas F., when a youth, received his early training in the Public Schools
of Murphysboro’, and afterwards attended for a time “ Jones’ Commercial
College, ” St. Louis.
On the breaking out of the late war, he enlisted in Company K of the
18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Volunteers, mustered in at Anna, Ill., in
May, 1861, and almost immediately after proceeded to the seat of war, where
he did good service in the battles of Fort Henry, Donaldson, Pittsburg-
Landing, siege of Vicksburg, and capture of Little Rock, a few months after
his entering the service. He was made Quartermaster-Sergeant of the
regiment; mustered out after his term of enlistment had expired, at Spring-
field, Illinois, June, 1864. On the re-organization of the regiment he became
its Quartermaster, and was commissioned with the rank of First Lieutenant
in March, 1865. In the meantime, from June until March of his re-enlist¬
ment, he was in the Government employ, located at Chattanooga. The
regiment did garrison duty after its re-organization at Little Rock and Pine
Bluff, Arkansas. The war being practically ended, he received his discharge
in January, 1866, and in August of the same year he engaged in the drug
business at Murphysboro’, where he carries on one of the best drug stores in
the county, as his education eminently fits him for the duties of a druggist,
being very correct and accurate in the filling of prescriptions, etc., etc.
In April, 1868, he married Miss Elvira L. Aikin, of Jamestown, New
York.. Four children were born to them — once since deceased, two boys and
one girl yet living. Mrs. Hord died at their residence, September 4, 1876-
In reviewing his political history, we find in 1869 he was elected one of
the Aldermen of the city ; on the expiration of his term re-elected ; in 1873
was elected Mayor of the city. When the County went under township
organization he was elected, January, 1874, Supervisor for the township of
Murphysboro’; on the convening of that body he was selected as its chair¬
man ; re-elected to the same office, and the second time made Chairman of
the Board. He filled all these several offices with rare satisfaction to his
constituents ; went out of office with a pure record and a greater degree of
popularity than when elected, since which time he has devoted his attention
to business, finding time however, for societies aud institutions of benevolence.
Mr. Hord is a prominent mason, being a Knight Templar, now a member
of Cyrene Coramandery at Centralia, Ill. He is also one of the influential
Republicans of his County. Such in brief is the record of his career. In
social life Mr. Hord is one of the most genial of men, his conversational
powers and ready wit rendering his society ever pleasant and agreeable.
As a citizen he is enterprising and public-spirited, and has ever taken an
active part in all matters calculated to advance the material interest of his
city and county.
ELBERT S. EASTERLEY (deceased)
Was born in Middle Tennessee, July 10, 1828, aud was the eleventh of
twelve children of Casper and Elizabeth Easterley. They moved to Jackson
County at an early day, and settled on the farm where the widow of Elbert
Easterley now resides. Elbert was about twenty-one years old when his
parents moved to Illinois. His general business was always that of a farmer.
On the 23d ofMarch, 1854, he married Miss Ellen, the daughter of Joseph and
Sarah Hinchcliff, who settled iu Jackson County about the year 1828 or ’29.
They were both natives of England ; both now deceased. Mr. Easterley and
wife had born to them eleven children ; four are dead. Those living are as
follows : Mary Jane, the wife of Mr. Don Johnson ; Herinau Gatewood
Easterley, Alice, William Henry, Harriet, Martha, and Elbert M., all un¬
married. Mr. Easterley was for many years a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, remaining a devout member all his life. In politics he
was a AVhig, and in latter years a Republican. He was for one term a mem¬
ber of the Board of County Commissioners, and was twice elected Justice of
the Peace. ' As a public-spirited citizen he was ever ready to assist in for¬
warding all enterprises calculated to benefit his community. His death took
place at his residence February 25, 1875. He died as he had lived, a
Christian, in the full confidence of a blissful hereafter. His widow, the
partner of his early joys and sorrows, still survives him, living at the old
homestead, and doing all that a mother’s love can to educate and take care
of her children.
FRANKLIN B. HANKS,
Ex-Sheriff of Jackson County, was born in Maury County, Tenu., Sept. 16,
1834. He is the eldest child of Thomas and Nancy Hanks. They were
both natives of the above County and State. Mr. Hanks is descended from
Eaglish ancestry, and his wife was of Teutonic origin. His time was prin¬
cipally employed as a planter, besides attending to the arduous duties of a
missionary Baptist preacher, and occasionally teaching. His father, Rev.
Elijah Hanks, grandfather of our subject, was also a Baptist clergyman. In
politics Mr. Hanks was a Democrat. In 1849 he moved to McNary County,
Tennessee, lived there until 1857, then moved to and located in what is now
Christian County, Missouri, where his wife died, in 1859. He still survives
her, in the enjoyment of good health.
Franklin B., the subject of our sketch, is descended from a long line of
ancestry noted for their piety aud morality. His early advantages were
reasonably good, and his boyhood days were divided between working on
the farm in summer and attending school in the winter. In June, 1854, he
married Miss Emily Lewis, the youngest daughter of John Lewis, one of the
old and prominent inhabitants of McNary County. After his marriage he
settled on a farm near the old home-place, and reside! in that locality until
1863, when, in February of that year, owing to his strong attachment to the
cause of the Union, he found it best to migrate. Hence he came to Illinois
and settled with his family at Rich view, Washington county. In the fall of
1863, he settled in De Soto, Jackson County, where for about three years he
was engaged in merchandising, after which time he turned his attention to
contracting and bridge building, and built about thirty thousand dollars
74
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
worth of bridges for Jackson county. After the County went under township
organization, he was elected the first 'supervisor to represent De Soto town¬
ship, elected April, 1872, and in April, 1873, he was elected sheriff, to fill the
vacancy occasioned by the death of James M. Campbell. It is said by the
people that Sheriff Hanks made a most excellent officer. After his term of
service expired, he returned to De Soto, where he engaged in farming and
stock-raising, until December, 187 6, when Sheriff Sams appointed him deputy-
sheriff ; and whether as a sheriff or a deputy, he has always been found to be
a prompt, reliable officer. In politics, up to 1860, he was a democrat, and on
the breaking out of the rebellion, being averse to a dissolution of the Union,
he joined the Republican party, and has ever since been one of its earnest
supporters, and in the County is regarded as one of its strong “ wheel-horses.”
Mr. Hanks and wife have had a family of eleven children, four of whom are
deceased, seven yet living. Mrs. Hanks is a member of the Methodist
church. In glancing over the past career of Mr. Hanks, we find a man who
in early life commenced with very little capital, but by industry and atten¬
tion to business, he accumulated considerable property. But on the breaking
out of the war, he had to leave his property behind, and came to the free
State of Illinois, here to commence anew ; and by that honesty and integrity
which has characterized his whole life, he was not long in winning the confi¬
dence aud respect of his fellow-citizens, and the various offices which he has
filled will attest the confidence reposed in him. As an officer, citizen and
man, he is respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
SHERIFF SAMS.
Among the many men who have become citizens of Jackson County, by
adoption, and who have risen to prominence through their individual merits
and force of character, appears the name of Benjamin F. Sams, a native of
I'nion County, Illinois, born June 16th, 1834, and is next to the youngest of
a family of thirteen children, of Thomas M. and Sarah Saras, both of whom
were natives of Ballard County, Ky. They moved to Union County, Ills., in
1811, where they resided until their death. Mr. Sams participated in the
Black Hawk War as one of the brave and gallant rangers of whose deeds of
heroism and bravery the early annals of our state are so profuse. In politics
he was a Whig, and an ardent admirer of Henry Clay, the able and eloquent
expounder at that period of human liberty. The boyhood days of Benjamin
were spent in assisting his father to carry on the farm. On the 6th of August,
1854, he was married to Miss Caroline Lookinbee, a member of one of the
old families of Union County ; by that marriage they had three children, one
daughter yet living. Mrs. Sams died December 4th, 1859, and on the 8th of
August, 1861, Mr. Sams was married to Miss Catherine E. Harrison, of the
same County. By that union four children were born to them, three now de¬
ceased, aud one daughter living. After the late civil war had been progress¬
ing for a time, Mr. Sams enlisted in Company D, 13th Regiment, Illinois
Cavalry, commanded by Col. Marvel. They were mustered in at Camp But¬
ler, in the fall of 1863, aud soon after were ordered to Little Rock, Arkan¬
sas, where most of their time was spent in skirmishing, and harassing the
out-posts of the enemy. The hard marches and exposures incident to camp
life so told on the health of Mr. Sams, that he was taken sick, in consequence
of which he was honorably discharged March 4th, 1865. Soon after his return
home he entered the employ of the G. T. M. M. and T. Company, and opera¬
ted for that company about nine years.
He located permanently in Jackson County in the summer of 1868, and was
married to his present wife, Mrs. Mary J. Jones, of St. Clair County, Ills., in
December, 1870. Since 1860 Mr. Sams has been identified with the Repub¬
lican party in politics, and is one of the active aud efficient workers for the
success of the party in this County. In the fall of 1376 he was elected to the
responsible office of Sheriff, and whether as a soldier, officer, or civilian, Benj.
F. Sams has ever been found ready to do his duty.
W. S. ROGERS,
Was the son of Rev. W. H. Rogers, of St. Louis. lie received his early
educatiou in Ohio, and at the age of fifteen he enlisted in the 60th Ohio,
and served until the close of the war. He was afterwards engaged in the
dry goods aud grocery business in t incinnati for about five years. He then
removed to Chicago, and after the great fire opened the Revere House, which
he ran for about two years. He ihen went to St. Louis, and was engaged
by Beard & Bro., of safe and lock notoriety. He traveled for them about
four years. July, 1876, he began his endeavors towards having the Jack-
son County Court-House improved, drew the first designs for Beard & Bro.;
but the contract was afterwards let to Isaac Rapp, of this County. July 19th,
1877, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Skinner, a native of Jackson Coun¬
ty, since which he has been proprietor of the Logan House. His experience
as a traveling man has peculiarly fitted him as a successful hotel man. He
knows and understands the wants and desires of the traveling public, and is
ever ready to make his house a pleasant stopping-place. With his social
qualities and his natural and acquired abilities, he is destined to make his
business a success. May prosperity attend him in all the varied walks of
life.
GEORGE W. HILL,
One of the prominent young lawyers of the Jackson County Bar, was born
at Ewing, Franklin County, Illinois, Oct. 31st, 1847. He is the fourth sou
of Hon. John W., and Margarett Hill. Mr. Hill was a native of the above
county and state, and Mrs. Hill of Alabama. His vocation in early life
was that of an humble tiller of the soil, but being a man of sound judgment
he was twice elected Associate Judge, also filled one term as County Judge,
and one term as Assessor, and Treasurer of his native county. Being a gen¬
tleman of literary taste, he was one of the founders of and a large stock,
holder of Ewing College. Was one of the trustees of the College, also trea¬
surer, which office he held at the time of his death, which occurred July 29th,
1876. He took a deep interest in education. and all other enterprises which
would add to the prosperity of the county. As a candidate he was always
successful, never having been beaten, and was one of the influential workers
in the Democratic party. In early life he was fond of the sports of the chase,
keeping a fine park of deer on his farm. His mansion was always the seat
of a generous and liberal hospitality. He was a man noted for religion and
sobriety; was a member of the Baptist church. His widow still survives him,
residing at the old home.
George W., the subject of this sketch, in early boyhood spent his time in
summer working on the farm, and attended school during the winter. At
the age of twenty he entered upon a course of study at Ewing College, aud
the last year spent most of his time teaching ; he also attended school at
McKendree College, Lebanon, graduating from that Institution in the
Latin and scientific department June, 1872, and in addition to his studies at
school, read law and was admitted to the Bar at the June term of the Supreme
Court 1875. The degree of LL.B., was conferred on him the same year by
McKendree College. After he finished his course at college he returned
home, and was elected Professor of the scientific department, and taught one
year at Ewing College and was principal of the public school of Murphys-
boro’ for two years. In 1875 he formed a law partnership with J. Banks
Mayham, which lasted two years, since which time he has been practicing
alone, and by close attention to his professional duties has built up a lucrative
practice. On Oct. 21st, 1875, he married Miss Fannie Eldert, daughter of
Col. W. Z. Ingram, M.D , of Murphysboro’ ; by that union they have had
one daughter, Nellie. Mrs. Hill is a member of the M. E. Church; Mr.
Hill is a prominent member of the masonic order. In politics he has always
been a staunch member of the Democratic party, and wields a large influence
in his party, believing that the office ought to seek the man and not the man
the office. He has never allowed his name to be used for any office, but
has preferred to make his mark as a lawyer. By his close attention to busi¬
ness, and genial and courteous manners, he has won a host of friends, and we
bespeak for him eminent success in his profession.
DR. OSCAR L. MAHONEY.
Dk. Oscar L. Mahoney, son of James W. and Amanda M. Mahoney,
was born on the 7th day of March, 1839, in Dandrage, on the French Broad
River, Jefferson County, Tennessee Studied medicine in Madison, Indiana;
graduated on the 1st day of March, 1867, at the Medical College of Ohio.
Has lived in Murphysboro’ ten years, having practiced medicine and surgery
during said time, and made ophthalmic surgery for several years a specialty.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
75
JUDGE URBANE E. ROBINSON,
Was bora in Christian County, Kentucky, Oct. 26th, 1805. He was the
eldest child of James and Sarah Robinson. The elder Robinson, wa>- born
in the “ Old Dominion,” and settled with his parents at an early day in
Kentucky, where he died when his son U. E., was about two years and a half
old. In September, 1809, Mrs Robinson and her son came to the then ter¬
ritory of Illinois, and settled on a tract of land on Hudgen’s Creek, in the
territory now embraced in Union County, remained there until 1811, when
they moved to a place on the Mississippi River, where Preston now is, and
lived there until 1812. When on the breaking out of the war with England,
deeming it more safe away from the river, with two other families they set
out on another move, this time locating on Cash-Creek, near where Old Al-
vird stands. Lived at that place until 1815, then moved to Missouri and
settled on Apple Creek, in what is now Perry County, returned to Jackson
County, Illinois, in 1817, and commenced to work for Col. Gill attheDevil’s-
Bake-oven, Grand Tower, remained with him until he was married, which
occurred Oct. 26th, 1825, to Miss Pelnelope E. Bradshaw, daughter of
William Bradshaw. After his marriage, Mr. Robinson settled on a farm at
the “ Big-Hill,” where he remained three years. In the year 1829, he moved
to a farm now embraced in the limits of Ridge Township, which was his
home for many years. By the above marriage, Mr. Robinson and wife had
nine children, eight of whom grew to man and womanhood, five of whom
are still living. The venerable subject of our biography has been an office¬
holder for more than half a century. In 1826, he was elected constable, and
served three years. In 1830, elected a Justice of the Peace, and by constant
re-elections he held that office for twenty-four years. In 1832 he was elected
one of the County Commissioners of Jackson County, and by re-election was
continued in that office twelve years. Besides holding the above offices he was
Postmaster from 1834 until 1849, when the Central Railroad was built, and
the mail route changed. After being County Commissioner, he was subse¬
quently elected twice Associate Judge of the County. About the year 1870,
he moved to his present residence, on his farm near Murphysboro’.
In 1826, Judge Robinson joined the Methodist Church, but his religious
views, undergoing a change, he became a convert to the Baptist Church in
1845. In August, 1869, Mrs Robinson, the partner of his early days, and
the sharer of his pioneer perils, passed away breathing her last in the home
in which so many pf her happy years had been spent. On the 12th of Oct.
1870, Mr. Robinson was married to Brettanna Jacobs. By that marriage one
daughter has been born to them. In politics in early life, lie became a
Democrat, and acted with that party until 1862, since which time he has
been among the faithful supporters of the Republican party, and during the
late civil war he was the friend of the cause of the Union. When we turn
back and reflect over the long years of his eventful life, we find in him cor¬
rectly portrayed, many of those requisite qualities of brains and muscle, so
necessary in the early history of our state. He lived here many years before
our state was born, and witnessed those infantile struggles and efforts toward
greatness. When he settled in the Territory of Illinois, it was then a wilder¬
ness^ inhabited only by wild animals and wild men : he has witnessed wonder¬
ful changes, having seen cities spring up in places where before, the curling
smoke of the Indians wigwam could have been seen. Railroads and tele¬
graphs, have taken the place of the o'ld-fashioned stage coach, and post rider,
and amidst all these great changes, he has preserved a character for honesty
and righteousness, so typical of the early pioneers.
GEORGE W. SMITH.
In the list of those who have risen to prominence, and reflected credit
upon the city and county of their adoption, the subject of this brief memoir
is entitled to honorable mention.
Mr. Smith is a native of Putnam County, Ohio, born August 18th, 1846.
He is the eighth of a family of ten children, of James and Agnes Smith.
James Smith was born in Scotland, and settled in Ohio in the year 1818.
His wife was a native of Belmont County, Ohio, and was of Irish extraction.
When George was about four years old his parents moved to Posey County,
Indiana : and a few months afterwards settled in W ayne County, Illinois ;
and it was in the last named county that George first commenced to attend
common schools. In September, 1$65, he became a student at McKendree
College, Lebanon, and graduated from that institution with honor, in 1868, in
the Scientific Department. Immediately after he commenced the study of
the law, at Fairfield, Wayne County, Illinois, in the office of Robinson &
Boggs. Subsequently he attended Law School at Bloomington, Indiana,
graduating in 1870, and in July of the same year he entered on the practice
of his profession at Murphysboro’, and so popular did he soon become that he
was three times elected City Attorney of Murphysboro’, filling the position
with marked ability and credit to himself. In January, 1877, he formed a
law partnership with Richard J. Stephens. He is also a bright Mason, being
at the writing of this a Sir Knight. In the every-day walks of life Mr.
Smith is an estimable and genial gentleman, and is a citizen with a highly
enterprising bent of mind, and a nature that is at once frank, candid, and
generous, the aim of his life being to “ Render unto Csesar the things which
are Cresar’s.” As a lawyer, he has met with fine success, and takes rank to¬
day with the cultured and honorable members of the bar, and is an ornament
to the bar of which he is a member. Honest, prompt, and upright, with
those who entrust their business in his hands, he has won an excellent repu¬
tation for fairness and integrity of character.
JOSEPH P. ROBARTS.
Joseph P. Robarts, one of the prominent and rising men of Southern Illi¬
nois, is quite a young man. He was born near Alton, Madison County, in
this state, on the 2d of March, 1849. He is the eldest child of Dr. James
and Sarah Robarts, who are now residents of this (Jackson) County. His
elementary education was acquired in the public schools of his native state.
When only fourteen years old he had made sufficient progress in his studies,
to enable him to enter the Illinois Military Academy, at Fulton, Whitesides
County, Illinois. He remained there four years, devoting himself assiduous¬
ly and honestly to the task, or rather, judging from his success, the pleasure
of getting knowledge. He graduated with honor at the early age ef eighteen,
and such had been his progress and efficiency that he was commissioned a 1st
Lieutenant by Governor Yates. After graduating he determined to learn a
trade, and selected that of a printer, to which he apprenticed himself, and suc¬
ceeded in acquiring a thorough and practical knowledge of the business in all
its details. Were a volume written, it could not tell more forcibly, or show
in a stronger light the strong sense and sound judgment of Mr. Robarts, in
thus, contrary, we might say, to all precedent, going from the college into the
work-shop. In 1870, when only in his 21st year, he founded the Carbondale
Advertiser, a paper published at Carbondale, Illinois, and which he shortly
after disposed of, in order to accept the position of Deputy United States Mar¬
shal under Col. Roe.
In 1873 he started at Murphysboro’, Illinois, a Republican Journal, called
the Jackson County Era , in which he still assists in the editorial department.
Mr. Robarts is an active and influential member of his party, and has
several times served as one of the Republican Central Committee-men for his
County. During the 28th General Assembly he was Assistant Door-keeper
of the House of Representatives. He was married, October 22d, 1875, to
Miss Lillie Ozburn, daughter of Col. Siudorf Ozburn, now deceased. For
so young a man, Mr. Robarts has certainly accomplished a great deal, add
his worth and character are attested by his fellow-citizens, in calling upou
him to fill numerous responsible public positions, among them that of dele¬
gate to various state and congressional conventions. His duties, both as a
public man and private citizen, have always been performed to the entire
satisfaction of all concerned, and stamp him an honest and sincere gentleman.
PROF. R. J. YOUNG.
Prominent among the names worthy of a place in this work, is that of Prof.
R. J. Young. Prof. Young was born about four miles from Alton, Madison
County, Illinois, September 2d, 1833. He is the fifth child of Rev. John C
and Martha (Harris) Young. His father was a clergyman of the Christian
denomination, having been a minister for over one-third of a century. He
was born in the Old Dominion, and is descended from a long line of Irish
ancestry. In 1818 he moved with his parents to Illinois, Who settled in
Madison County. It was here that our subject received his early education,
subsequently attended Shurtleff College, and afterwards became a student
and graduated at Jones’ College, St. Louis, April 24th, 1854. The condi¬
tion of his health required out-door employment, and for about two years he
was engaged in Mock dealing, after which he went to St. Paul, Minnesota,
where he became head clerk in a wholesale and retail Grocery House.
76
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY \ ILLINOIS.
He was united in matrimony, October 9th, 1856, to Miss Ellen A. Wear,
daughter of David Wear, of Woodburn, Macoupin County, Illinois, by which
union they have had five children, but two of whom are living, viz., Ida M.
and Dickie Banks Boulter.
In 1857 he left St. Paul, and located at Woodburn, Illinois, and in April,
1861, he enlisted as a three months’ volunteer, in company F, of 7th Illinois
Regiment, which soon after became a part of Gen. Preuts’ brigade. He was
mustered out at Mound City, Illinois, July 25th, 1861.
The Professor moved in 1863 to Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois,
where he taught upward of three years a select school. In 1868 he went
to Carbondale, and was appointed professor of vocal music in the Southern
Illinois Normal University.
October 1st, 1868, he became principal of the schools of Murphysboro’,
which position he held for five consecutive years, and during the vacations
held normal sessions.
Prof. Young has for many years been a member of the Christian church.
In politics he is a Democrat. The professor deserves a prominent place in
the rank of educators, and is a genial, cultured and Christian gentleman.
S. A. HOLLIDAY
Was born in Tennessee, Oct. 26th, 1814. His father, David Holliday, emi¬
grated to Illinois, and settled in what is now Jackson County, in the year
1815. His father improved a farm, where the subject of our sketch was
brought up and educated to farm life, which has been his life-long occupa¬
tion. He endured all the hardships incident to a pioneer life ; for this country
was then indeed a howling wilderness, inhabited only by Indians and the
very few pioneers. His advantages for receiving an education were very
limited, as schools in those days were very sparse, and children had to go a
long distance to attend them, as the few settlers could not afford to hire many
teachers in a county. Mr. Holliday lived at home and assisted on the farm,
in the mill and blacksmith shop, until he was married, at the age of twenty-
two (Nov. 22d, 1838) to Miss Rebecca Will. To this union they had a
family of seven children. His wife died after sixteen years of married life.
He was again married Dec. 22d, 1854, to Miss Nancy E. Worthen, by whom
he had a family of two children. After twenty-two years’ happiness with his
second partner, she died Nov. 10, 1876. Soon after his first marriage he
entered a piece of land, and like all early settlers, he built him a cabin and
settled down in earnest to transform a dense forest into a tillable farm (two
hundred acres in extent) which he yet owns, about one hundred and forty
acres of it is under cultivation. In the year 1871 he moved to Murphys¬
boro’, where he has since resided. Politically, he is a Republican, but prior
to the late war he was a staunch Democrat. He is a member of the Lutheran
Church, and has endeavored to bring up his family religiously, instilling into
their youthful minds, by example and moral teachings, the doctrines of Chris¬
tianity. His children have grown up to be a blessing to him in his declining
years, which ia otherwise blessed with peace and prosperity. During the
sixty-two years that S. A. Holliday ha3 resided in the County, he has been a
close observer, as well as ardept worker in the varied scenes which have taken
place. To-day churches, school-houses, and substantial farm dwellings, are
erected, where formerly (within his recollection) the smoke of the wigwam
ascended through the dense forest of timber, then the home of the wild savage
and wilder animals not of the genus homo. For perseverance, industry and
tact, Mr. Holliday has always been noted, and enjoys now in ease and com¬
fort, the result of these sterling qualifications.
WILLIAM BRADLEY, Sr.,
Was the son of Joshua and Nancy Bradley. Joshua Bradley was a native
of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. He was raised in North Carolina, -
and after his marriage emigrated to Tennessee, where he remained for
about twenty years; he then turned his face westward, and with his
family, consisting of wife and five children, emigrated to and settled in
Jackson County, Illinois, near where Campbell Hill now is. In the
year 1820, he was among the earliest settlers of that part of the county,
and Bradley township received its name in honor of the Bradley family
The subject of our sketch was born in Sumner County, Tennessee, Feb.
13th, 1814, being about six years of age when his father settled in
this new county. He assisted on the farm during his minority, and went
to school in broken terms, to the amount of about eleven months, being
all the schooling he received. But by close application in after life, he ac¬
quired a very liberal education. Dec. 18th, 1834, he was united in marriage
to Miss Serana Draper, a native of Jackson County, Tennessee. He never left
the old homestead, but built a house near his father’s, and remained until the
year 1869, where he raised a family of three children. In the year 1869,
he moved to Murphysboro,’ where he has since resided. In the year 1849,
he was elected to the office of Associate Justice for a term of four years. At
the expiration of that time, he was elected to the office of County Judge,
which office he held for four years, and again iu 1869, he was re-elected to
the office of County Judge for a term of four years, making twelve years he
served the county as Judge and Associate Justice. In the year 1858, he
ran for the Legislature. Being three tickets in the field, he was defeated.
Politically, he is a Democrat. Religiously, he is a member of the Free
Will Baptist Church, which, in doctrine and belief, is the same as the General
Baptist. In 1852, he was ordained as a minister in the General Bap¬
tist Church ; he has been preaching in connection with the General and
Free Will Baptist Church, since that time. He is a social, whole-souled,
genial and upright man. Long may he live to bless the circle of friends
whose burdens of life are sweetened by his words of couusel and by the influ¬
ence of his pure and upright life.
GILBERT J. BURR.
In the subject of this brief memoir, we have a representative type of the
energetic, self-made and successful editors and publishers, who, by their legiti¬
mate business alone, have risen to prominence, and in this connection we may
with truth add, that in our judgment, the newspaper business has reached a
transitory stage. Editors of strong individuality, like Horace Greeley,
Henry J. Raymond, James Gordon Bennett and George D. Prentice, who
came down to us like vast boulders on the glaciers 'of time, in the last days
of their journalistic careers, stood solitary and alone, and indeed seemed to
belong, (as they did really) to a different age than our own. The men who
are now taking the lead, and will succeed to their places eventually, have
equal culture, more cleverness, and are better traiued than their predecessors ;
while they are no less earnest and animated by lofty aims. The Bohemian
class has been eliminated, and, however we may admire their brilliant talent,
their fate was well deserved. The representative editor is now a family man ;
works regularly and not spasmodically, and has some idea of the dignity and
responsibility, as well as the license of his calling ; to this class belongs the
subject of this sketch, and with the improved type of journalism, to which
reference has been made, there has begun a new and improved style of
writing. Bombast and stilted rhetoric, and constant straining for effect, are
being replaced by simplicity and vigor of language, logic, wit, and humor,
and courtesy of tone.
G. J. Burr is the second son of Remus and Susan Burr, born Sept. 23d,
1837, at Cuba, Allegheny County, New York.
Remus Burr died when his son Gilbert was only six years old. The early
educational advantages of young Burr were limited, and much of his culture
is due to ‘his individual exertions, rather than by the assistance of teachers.
After he became old enough to earn the money necessary to defray his ex¬
penses, he spent three terms at Oleau Academy, after which, he went to
Pen usyl vania and taught school for a time. In October, 1859, he settled in
Jackson County, Illinois. In December, 1861, he enlisted in company E. of
Stewart’s Battalion of Cavalry, took part in the battles of Island No. 10,
Fort Pillow, Corinth, Iuka, and Big Creek, Arkansas, and -several other
minor engagements. In June, 1863, he was made Quarter Master Sergeant,
subsequently promoted to the rank of orderly Sergeant, and mustered out
after having served three years and four months; returned to Jackson County
and engaged in farming in Sand Ridge township. In the fall of 1865, he
was elected Circuit Clerk. In 1868, he was a candidate on the Republican
ticket, for the office of Sheriff, and by the board of canvassers, declared
elected, but thrown out on contest. En 1870, he was appointed Deputy
United States Marshall, and took the census of Jackson County that year.
In 1871, elected County Treasurer, re-elected in 1873, and is now a member
at large on the State Republican Central Committee, and is, also, a promi¬
nent Odd Fellow. As an official, he has brought to the duties of his office,
that ability and tact required to make an honest and popular official ; in his
social and domestic relations he has been equally happy. On the 27th of
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The Residence of CHAS. K1RKH.AM M urphysboro 111. The Pesi dence of J. B. MAYHAM Murphysbopo III.
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Interior Vi ew ofTHO? F.H OR D 'S Drugstore Murphysboro III. The Residenceof ROBT.W. HAMILTON Murphysboro III.
Many native-born Americans look with prejudice upon those who come
to our shores from other countries, and who, to make this country the home
of their adoption, forsake the land of their nativity, and all that is near and
tender in early associations, and cross oceans and seas in order that they
may enjoy the political, social, and religious institutions, peculiar to our
Republic. It should be remembered that the foreigner becomes a citizen by
choice, not by chance, and if our ship of state becomes entangled among the
rocks of sectional convulsions, and is threatened with being drawn down in
the whirlpool of political and religious passion, that these hardy sons of her
adoption are the last to forsake her deck, and will always be found close to
the signal guns of her distress.
Mr. A. R. Pugh is a native of South Wales, having been born August 17,
1846, being the youngest of nine children of the Rev- Thomas Pugh, and
Elizabeth Roberts, his wife. The Rev. Mr. Pugh being desirous to remove
to a country that would offer better facilities for the education and general
welfare of his growing family — decided to come to the New World and
after casting a last lingering look at the beautiful green verdured hills,
pleasant village, and checkered landscape, of his own native W ales, he em¬
barked on a vessel— bound for New York— in mid-winter of 1848, and after
a pleasant voyage landed in safety, and in April of the same year, came to
St. Louis, residing there a short time, then removed to Caseyville, St. Clair
County, Illinois. Mr. Pugh was a gentleman of considerable education and
culture, great benevolence of character, and purity of Christian principles.
He died in the midst of his labors on the 17th of August, 1851. His widow
survived him twenty years, doing what she could to educate and take care
of her children. Her death took place at Duquoin, Illinois, April 15, 1871.
Young Pugh, as will be observed, was very young when his father died, and
he was thrown largely on his own resources. When a boy he attended the
common schools of St. Clair, Gallatin, and Perry Counties, Illinois, was a
student for a short time at the high school, Duquoin, — being imbued with
the principles of liberty, and a patriotic love for his adopted country, when
her institutions were imperiled and her flag in danger. He enlisted, Jan¬
uary 1863, in Company F. 13th Regiment, Illinois Cavalry, mustered in at
Springfield, — afterwards stationed at Pine Bluff and Little Rock, Arkansas,
where most of their time was spent in skirmishing and doing garrison duty.
Was honorably discharged, September 1865, returned to Perry County, and
commenced reading law in the office of Colonel Towns. He also attended
Judge Duff’s Law School, at Benton, Illinois, returned to Duquoin, and be¬
came a student of Hon. George W. Wall. In September, 1869, he entered
the senior class of the Law Department of the University of Michigan, at
Ann Arbor, graduating with honors in the close of ’70, opened a law office
in Duquoin, and in ’72 removed to Murphysboro, and in the fall of the same
year he was nominated by the Republican party, for the office of State At¬
torney, and after a spirited contest with his opponent, the Hon. J. B. May-
ham, he was elected, and filled the onerous position with fidelity and ability
for four years, and the people of the county will have cause to always re¬
member him as a most vigilent and able officer, in one of the most perilous
times in the history of the county. He was married November 1873 to Miss
Delia C. Hodges, daughter of James Hodges of Jackson County. By that
union they have had two children, a boy and a girl. In politics he has
always, from boyhood, been a convert to and advocate of the grand and
patriotic principles of the Republican party. As a lawyer Mr. Pugh is
methodical, observing the strictest order in all his business transactions.
His success as a lawyer lies in this, and in the clearness with which he per¬
ceives all the points that arise in the case, which he may have under con¬
sideration. In his arguments he is always clear, forcible, and to the point,
and a man of warm impulses, and fine social qualities.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
77
May, 1867, he was married to Miss Emma B., daughter of Judge Swartze-
cope, of this county. By that union they have had four children, Albert R.,
Howard H., Stella A. and Shirley Legrand Burr.
As we have indicated, Mr. Burr is a live editor, and in the managementof
the Era, he has given considerable vigor and humor to it, which is typical of
the man ; on the living vital political issues of the day, he is thoroughly
sound.
R. J. STEPHENS
Is a native of Clinton County, Illinois, was bora April 21, 1849, and is the
seventh of a family of ten children, of John J. and Lydia M. Stephens. Mr.
Stephens was bora near Frankford, Kentucky, and is of Scotch and Irish
descent- Mrs. S. is a native of St. Clair County, Illinois, and was born of
English parents, who settled at an early period in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Stephens, of whom this sketch is written, passed his boyhood days on
a farm with his father, and received his early education in the district schools,
and afterwards attended M’Kendree College one year. He employed his
time in teaching and farming until 1872.
In September, 1869, he was married to Miss Lydia L. Creel, daughter of
Berry Creel, an old resident of Clinton County, who was among the first
members of the Legislature from Clinton County.
Mrs. R. J. Stephens, died in March, 1872, and the following September he
commenced reading law in the office of G. Van Hoorebeke, of Carlyle, con¬
tinued with him for one year and a half, and completed his course in the
office of Hon. Henry A. Clover, of St. Louis, and was admitted to the Bar in
that city, in 1874 ; also admitted in Illinois, the following October. In
November of ’74, he engaged in the pra'ctice at Murphysboro’, and in Janu¬
ary of the following year he formed a law partnership with Geo. W. Smith.
He was again united in matrimony, May, 1875, to Miss Addie M. Gall, of
Central City, Monroe County, Illinois, which union has been blessed with one
daughter.
In politics, Mr. S. was originally a Democrat, but has changed his views
to the Greenback party, and was solicited by that party to become a candi¬
date for County Judge.
Since residing in Murphysboro’, he has, by his ready business tact and
energy, won for himself a host of friends, and is regarded as among the rising
lawyers of Jackson County.
He has successfully handled several prominent cases. His forte is not so
much in the ability as an advocate before a jury, but rather in his sound
erudition and knowledge of the law.
WILLIAM WALLER, Esq.
Among the energetic citizens and leading agriculturists of Murphysboro’
township, may properly be mentioned the name of Mr. Waller, the youngest
child of Joseph and Mary Waller, both of whom were Georgians, and both
came the territory of Illinois with their parents. Her father settled on the
banks of the Mississippi River, and Joseph Waller’s parents settled in Mis¬
souri, on the Mississippi, and it was there they married, near where they con¬
tinued to live for many years. Until the earthquake took place at New
Madrid, they concluded to leave that locality, and moved on the Illinois side
of the river, near Vausler’s ferry, and settled on a farm now embraced in
Union County, Illinois. He paid for his farm two dollars and fifty cents per
acre. Joseph Waller was a ranger, and fought in the Indian battle of
« Boone’s Lick.” The exposures of that campaign so debilitated his health
and constitution, that he was taken sick with that dread disease consumption,
which eventually caused his death.
William Waller was born March 26th, 1824. The first school he attended
was in the summer time, and kept in an old log stable, without any of the
necessary conveniences, except wooden puncheon benches and a ground floor.
The school was kept by John Dougherty, of Jonesboro’, since better known
as Governor and Judge, and Mr. Waller is pleased to recite many of the
happy episodes that occurred during the then interesting period to him, his
first school term. On the 14th of August, 1846, he was married to Sarah
Diskins. She survived their marriage only a year and a day. In the fall,
after her death, Mr. W. moved to Jackson County, and settled on the farm
where he now resides, a lithograph view of which can be seen on another page
of this work. September 31st, 1849, he married Lucinda Lipe, daughter of
John Lipe. By that marriage, four children were bora to them, two boys
and two girls. Sarah is the wife of Samuel Crawshaw, and Mary, is the
widow of De Witt Crogan. They both reside in this township.
Mrs. Waller died, June 13th, 1864, and Mr. W., was married to his
present wife, Mary AnnHagler, Dec. 4th, 1864. As the fruits of that union,
five children have been born to them, all of whom are living. Early in life
our subject in politics, was a Democrat, but on the breaking out of the late
rebellion, he became a Republican. He was an ardent admirer of Stephen
A. Douglas and his war measures, and the second time, he records with
pleasure, his vote for the noble and illustrious Lincoln. Mr. W. is among
the largest and wealthiest farmers of Jackson County, and a citizen who has
the respect of all.
Dr. M. G. PARSONS,
A well-known and prominent physician of Murphysboro’ and Jackson
County, was born in Medina, Ohio, June 15, 1836, being the youngest child
of Jabez and Nellie Parsons. The forefathers of Mr. Parsons were natives
of New Hampshire, and his wife was born in the Green Mountain State.
He died in 1863, at the age of seventy-three years. His widow is still living
in Ohio at the good old age of eighty -five years. The Doctor, when a youth,
received his literary culture at Mt. Blanchard Seminary, Ohio ; and when
twenty years of age began reading medicine with Dr. S. L. Clark, of Mt.
Blanchard.
On the breaking out of the late rebellion, fired by that patriotism and love
of country for which the sons of Ohio were so noted, soon found young Par¬
sons in the army. Having for the time thrown aside his text-books on the
healing art for the implements of rude warfare, we find him in the summer of
1862 enlisted as a soldier in the 99th Ohio Regiment. He served with com¬
mendable heroism and bravery for sixteen months. While taking part in a
raid he received a sabre wound, in consequence of which disability he re¬
ceived an honorable discharge, returned to his home, and resumed the study
of his chosen profession. He came West, and commenced the practice at
St. Mary’s, Mo., in 1865; attended the St. Louis Medical College, gradua¬
ting from that institution in the winter of 1867, and in the winter of 1868-69
attended a review course of lectures at the Chicago Medical College. In
1867 he located at Chester, Ill., and afterwards lived for a time at Shiloh
Hill, Randolph County. On 12th November, 1860, he married Miss S. J.
Main, of Ohio. She died at Shiloh Hill, August 3, 1869. A short time
after two children (twins) followed her to the tomb. One son by that union
still survives. Dr. Parsons became a resident of Murphysboro’ in the year
1863, since which time he has enjoyed a fair share of the practice. Being a
genial and courteous gentleman he has won many friends. In politics he
always selects the best men to vote for, regardless of political affiliations.
He is also a member of the Lutheran Church. On the 31st May, 1876, he
was married to the accomplished Miss Phronia Rffiarts, daughter of Dr.
Robarts, Carbondaie. One daughter has been born to them to bless and
make happy their lives.
JAMES E. MOORE,
Better known as Mayor Moore, was born in Springfield, Illinois, January
30th, 1843. His parents, James and Elizabeth Moore, were among the
old settlers of Sangamon County. James Moore was a native of Georgia, his
wife of Indiana. The subject of our sketch received bis education in the
schools of Peoria, Illinois, and Burlington, Iowa, and attended for a time
the commercial college at Elmira, New York. On the 9th of May, 1861, he
enlisted in company C, 18th regiment Illinois volunteers, mustered in at Anna,
Illinois, and joined the main army at Bird’s Point, Missouri, and subsequently
took part in the engagements at Fort Henry, Donaldson, Shiloh, and siege
of Corinth ; quartered for a time at Jackson, Tennessee, afterwards transferred
to the Mississippi river ram fleet, on board the gun-boat Lancaster ; after¬
wards transferred to the Monarch, and run the blQckade ; cruised for a time
as convoys up and down the Mississippi, Red, Tennessee, Cumberland and
Ohio rivers. It would require an article longer than our space would permit
to follow the operations of the regiment of which Mr. Moore was a member.
He was discharged June, 1864, at Springfield; re-enlisted February 9th,
1865, in the second regiment Hancock’s corps of veterans, mustered in at
Washington City, subsequently stationed at Winchester, Virginia, Washington
City, Elmira, New York, and New Haven, Connecticut; discharged at Hart-
78
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
ford, Connecticut, February 9th, 1866, and on the next day was married to
Mias Ella Rocelia Bailey, of New Haven, Connecticut. In March following,
located at Frankfort, Franklin County, Illinois ; returned to Connecticut in
the winter of 1867 ; and Mrs. Moore died May 9th, 1867 ; and the 20th of
the same month Mr. Moore returned to Illinois, and for a short time was
express messenger on the Illinois Central Railroad ; afterwards receiving and
disbursing clerk on the Terre-Haute Railroad. In January, 1869, he came
to Murphysboro’, and has for a time acted as constable and deputy-sheriff.
October, 1869, he married Mrs. Minerva A. Benoist, who died August 28th,
1877. Mr. Moore has for many years been a member of the Odd Fellows
Society.
Hon. JOHN M. GILL, Jr.,
Mayor of Murphysboro’, is a native of Jackson County, born Nov. 28, 1838.
He is the fifth child of a family of eight children, of John and Nancy Gill, old
residents of this County.
Mr. Gill was born in Virginia, and came here with his parents in
1813 (nearly a decade before our great State was born) and is still living, re¬
siding near De Soto. Mr. Gill is of English and Irish descent, and his wife of
German extraction. John M. Gill, Jr., spent mo3t of his boyhood days in assist¬
ing his father to' carry on the farm, and on January 6, 1859, he married Miss
Nancy J., daughter of Washington Wright, of Williamson County, Ill. They
have had two children (one deceased) and a son living, Joseph B. S. Gill,
now fifteen years old. In 1855 Mr. Gill commenced merchandizing at De
Soto, and in ’58 moved to Williamson County, and engaged in farming, deal¬
ing in tobacco and other produce. In ’63 he returned to De Soto, which
continued to be his residence until 1868, when he located in Murphysboro’,
and resumed merchandizing, and, unfortunately, was burned out in 1870,
after which he turned his attention to milling, in which business he has since
been engaged, now milling in partnership with Dr. John Ford. In politics,
Mr. Gill is one of the strong and faithful pillars of the Democratic party of
the County. In the Spring of 1876 he was elected Mayor of the City of
Murphysboro’, re-elected in the Spring of 1877, and is the present incumbent,
discharging the duties with rare judgment and great satisfaction to all.
He has also been one of the Directors of the Public Schools of the City for
ihree years, and has been a member of the Masonic Order for about twenty
years. He laid out and founded the town of Gillsburg, on the Narrow
Gauge R. R., situated about eight miles north of Murphysboro’, which bids
fair to become quite a thriving place. As a business man, Mr. Gill is ener¬
getic, and combines many of those qualities — honesty, integrity and suavity —
which are the sure precursors of success in life.
CARBONDALE TOWNSHIP.
BY JOHN MARTEN.
ARBONDALE TOWNSHIP is town nine south, range one west
of the third principal meridian. On the north is De Soto, east
Williamson County, south Makanda, west Murphysboro’ Town¬
ship. Until about the year 1872, De Soto was included in this,
the two constituting a precinct.
The surface of the township is generally of a level or rolling nature, except
in the northeast and southeast portions, where there are a few sand-stone
hills.
The water courses are Big Muddy, which crosses the northwest corner.
Big Crab Orchard crosses the township, from south to north, in the eastern
part. Little Crab Orchard, in the western part, crosses from south to north,
entering the Big Crab Orchard a short distance above the northern boundary
of the township. And Piles’ Fork which flows in a northeasterly direction
across the central part of the township, entering the Big Crab Orchard near
the center of the township. These creeks are all small, but they serve as a
complete system of drainage.
The natural resources of the township are rather limited. The timber is
principally of oak, ash, hickory, walnut and poplar, of which there is a
thick growth in all parts. Coal is found in limited quantities in the cen¬
tral part. The soil is capable of yielding largely in all parts, if properly
cultivated.
The first settlers in the township were a family of squatters by the name
of Phelps, who cleared two or three acres of land in section 34, upon which
they cultivated corn, but their principal source of provisions was from the
game found in the woods around.
Following the Phelps’s came John Murden in 1829, as the first permanent
settler. He settled in the same section as Phelps, and commenced to clear a
farm. Murden was followed in 1831 by James Boren and a family by the
name of Wingate, and shortly afterward by the Hansons, Brewsters, Sniders
and many others.
Messrs. Holden, Smith and Hanson deeded the first land on which coal was
dug, situated on Crab Orchard Creek. Here the coal cropped out, and any
man wishing coal had only to dig it and haul it away. Blacksmiths came
here from Jonesboro’, twenty miles and more, to get coal to supply their
forges.
At present there are but two mines in the township, both found in sectio n
22, one on the farm of S. T. Brush, the other on the farm of J. B. Ricbart.
Until the grading for the I. C. R. R. was begun in 1857, the principal
produce was corn, jout as soon as the railroad was completed, a means of
transportation was furnished and the farmers began sowing wheat, which in¬
creased until the present year (1877) there is scarcely enough corn to supply
home wants.
The first mill in this township was a horse mill, built by Mr. Lyphas
Davis, in section 29. He afterward sold the mill to a Mr. Biddle, who
moved it about half a mile to the southwest. Corn was carried a distance
of more than 15 miles to this mill, each person having to await his turn
and furnish a horse to»turn the mill, and if he wanted his meal bolted, he
did it himself.
The first water mill was built in section 35, on Drury Creek, by Wm.
Lindsey, and about the same time another by Isaac and Reuben Wingate,
on the same creek. At these mills corn was ground and lumber sawed.
The first steam mill was built in the eastern part ot the township by Alfred
Singleton. This mill was so situated that the county line between this and
Williamson ran through a portion of the machinery.
School -teaching was begun by Mr. Amer Hanson in 1832, in a log-house,
in the southwest part of the township. John Murden taught a school in 1833,
on Drury Creek, in a tobacco-barn on the farm of William Bradford.
Preaching was commenced by Mr. Jas. Gentry, who preached in the house
of John Murden in 1831.
Mr. Ignatius O. Daniel also preached about this time. He was living in
section 33.
The first church and school-house were in one building, built by the Mis¬
sionary Baptists and the people, on the ground now occupied by the Bowyer
Cemetery, in section 23, in 1833. It wras in this cemetery that the first child,
dying in 1832, was buried. The first marriage was in 1832, when Jonathan
Wingate and a Miss Bowen were married.
The School Treasurers of this township were: 1. William Brown, who
held the office for ten or twelve years ; 2. Dr. Wm. Richart; 3. Samuel T.
Brush, who is the present Treasurer.
At the present time there are six country schools in the township.
Early in the history of this township trade was carried on by barter.
Afterward, when money became more plentiful, cows could be bought for
$8 per head ; horses for from $40 to $50 each.
In contrasting the farming of earlier days with the present, we must say
that the advancement has been almost unparalleled. In 1831 we find fewer
than ten acres in cultivation, valued at almost nothing ; the implements of
cultivation of the rudest kind. To-day we find the greater portion of the
land under cultivation, and valued at from $25 to $50 per acre. And every¬
where the most improved machinery is in use.
Some of the most important farmers are the sons of Ephraim Snider, who
have some of the largest and most profitable farms in the county, all
situated in the east and northeast of the county.
The old family seat of the Sniders is a fine three-story brick building,
lh miles east of Carbondale, on the old stage road to Marion. Between this
and the town is the residence of George Snider, a large, two-story brick
building, with all modern improvements. In the northwest part of the
township, on the farm of Isaac Dillinger, we find a comfortable brick build¬
ing, two stories in height, finely situated in the midst of an apple and peach
orchard.
On the west we find the farm of the late Dr. Johnson, upon which is a fine
three-story brick building, beautifully placed in a grove of evergreens. This
is one of the most substantial and convenient country seats in the county.
Also the farm of the late Wm. Sykes, a large brick residence, also sub¬
stantial brick barns and out-houses.
There was formerly an Indian trail crossing the eastern side of the town¬
ship, and an old encampment on the Crab Orchard Creek.
There was a stone quarry in section 2, from which as fine stone as any in
the State has been taken.
The farmers of the township, speaking generally, are energetic and skilful,
and within a few years there has been great improvement in methods of
agriculture.
Carbondale is the only town within the limits of the township. This is a
great shipping point. The Illinois Central, the G. T. & C., and the C. & S.
Railroads all pass through Carbondale. The Illinois Central alone is forced
to employ three men tc transact its business at this point.
79
80
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY \ ILLINOIS .
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CITY OF CARBONDALE.
Carbondale is a city of about 2,800 inhabitants, pleasantly situated on the
I. C. R. R., fifty-seven miles north of Cairo, in the centre of the township of
Carbondale.
The limits of the city, as defined in Article I., Section 2, of the Charter,
are: The west half of the southwest quarter of section 15, the south half of
section 16, the east half of southeast quarter of section 17, the east half of
the northeast quarter of section 20, the east half of the southeast quarter of
section 20, all of section 21, the west half of the southwest quarter of section
22, and the west half of the northwest quarter of section 22.
The land on which Carbondale stands was formerly owned by Col. J. H.
Dougherty, and was surveyed by Wm. Richart on the 24th day of Novem¬
ber, 1852. The plat was filed on the 26th of November, 1852, and recorded
on the 27th of the same month.
MINUTES OF ORGANIZATION.
Whereas, at an election held by the inhabitants of Carbondale, at the
house of William Richart, in said town, on Monday, the 17th day of March,
a. d. 1856, it was decided that said town should be incorporated under and
by virtue of the laws of Illinois in such case made and provided ; which ap¬
pears by the Poll Book of the said election, duly certified and returned to
the Board of Trustees of said town, and now on file in the office of said
Board.
And whereas, afterwards, to wit: on the 24th day of March, a. d 1856, at
an election held at the place aforesaid, in said town, pursuant to public
notice, as prescribed by law for Trustees, as appears by the duly certified
Poll Book of the said election, made out and certified by William Dixon as
President, and John S- Tutton as Clerk thereof, Gabriel Sanders, James M.
Campbell, James M. Morgan, Alfred Singleton, and Asgill Conner were duly
elected Trustees of the said town of Carbondale.
Therefore, on this day, to wit: the 7th day of April, in the year of Our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, the above named Gabriel
Sanders, James M. Campbell, James M. Morgan, Alfred Singleton, and
Asgill Conner net at the counting-room of D. H. Brush, in the said town,
for the purpose of organizing said Board: Thereupon, the said members
severally took and subscribed the oaths prescribed by law for them to take
as such Trustees. Then, on motion of James M. Campbell, James M. Mor¬
gan was unanimously chosen President of the Board.
The Board thereupon appointed Daniel H. Brush Clerk of the Board, who
appeared and was duly sworn to faithfully act as such.
Ordered, by the Board, that the Clerk of the Board procure the necessary
books to record the proceedings of the Board.
Ordered, by the Board, that the Poll Book of the elections for incorpora¬
ting the town and for Trustees, held as aforesaid, and certified and returned
to this Board, by the President and.Clerk of said elections, be delivered to
the Clerk of the County Court of this County, for record, as provided for by
law.
In Ordinance 8, Section 2.
The selling or giving away of any intoxicating malt or vinous, mixed or
fermented liquor in the city or one mile outside, and next beyond the city
limits, is hereby prohibited.
There have been many attempts on the part of the disaffected, to change
this. It has been several times submitted to a vote of the people, and inva¬
riably the good sense of the citizens has enabled us to keep saloons away
from the city.
But once, in the history of the city, has there been any permanent place of
amusement or gaming in the city, when there were two billiard saloons, but
these jvere discontinued when the time of their license had expired.
The officers of the city are as follows: Col. D. H. Brush acted as City
Clerk from 1856 until 1861, and also furnished office rooms during this
time.
CITY OFFICERS.
List of Trustees , Mayors and Aldermen of the Town and City of Carbondale,
from A. D. 1856 to A. D. 1874. The names printedfn small capital
letters were presiding officers of the Board of Trustees.
1856 — Jas. M. Morgan, Jas. M. Campbell, Gabriel Sanders, Asgill Con¬
ner, Alfred Singleton.
1857. — Jas. M. Morgan, Jas. M. Campbell, R. R. Blackman, Asgill Con¬
ner, Saoi’l. C. Atkins.
1858. — Rob’t. H. Marron, Jas. M. Campbell, Claiborn Barrow, Asgill
Conner, Henry Sanders.
1859. = — Rob’t. H. Marron, Jas. M. Campbell, Claiborn Barrow, Asgill
Conner, Henry Sanders.
1860. — Rob’t. H. Marron, Jas. M. Campbell, Claiborn Barrow, Asgill
Conner, Henry Sanders.
1861. — Jas. M. Campbell, Jas. M. Reynolds, Levi B. Clements, Asgill
Conner, Henry Sanders.
1862. — Jas. M. Campbell, Isaac M. Kelley, Claiborn Barrow, Levi B.
Clements, Henry Sanders.
1863. — Isaac M. Kelley, Jas. M. Campbell, Claiborn Barrow, Levi B.
Clements, Silas G. Hindman.
1864 — Silas G. Hindman, Richard Dudding, Wm. Scurlock, Levi B.
Clements, J. M. Richart.
1865. — Asgill Conner, John W. Lawrence, Wm. Hooker, Willis A. Spil-
ler, Jos. Ennison.
1866. — Wm. Hadley, Jos. M. Hamilton, Sam’l. C. Atkins, Isaac Rapp,
Wm. D. Harris.
1867. — Wm. Sykes, Stephen Blair, Wm. H. Hord, Geo. W. Feltes, Jos.
Ennison.
1868 — Stephen Blair, S. G. Hindman, Willis A. Spiller, Wm. Sykts,
Geo. W. Felts.
1869. — Jas. B. Richart, Mayor, Peter A- Smith, Samuel A. Flagler, Sea¬
born A. Walker, Stephen Blair.
1870. — Jas. B. Richart, Mayor, Jas. M. Scurlock, Samuel A. Flagler, Jas.
D. Gage.
1871. — Sam’l. A. Flagler, Mayor, (resigned, and Jas. H. Crandall,
elected Mayor in his stead). Jas. H. Crandall, Daniel J. White,
Sam’l. C. Atkins, Jas. D. Gage.
1872. — Jas. H. Crandall, Mayor. Andrew C. Brydeu, Jas. W. Darling,
H. F. Goe, Jas. M. Richart.
1873. — A. J. Backus, Mayor, (died, and Wm. A. Lemma elected in his
stead). 1st ward, Samuel Machselis, 2nd ward, Eli D. Cannon, 3rd
ward, Thos. O. Atkins, 4th ward, Chas. Burton.
1874.— WM. A. LEMMA, Mayor.
ALDERMEN.
First Ward — Jas. Hill, Wm. Mellor.
Second Ward — John W. Spiller, Eli D. Cannon.
Third Ward— Jas. M. Bowling, Jas. Moore.
1877— F. A. PRICKETT, Mayor.
EARLY HISTORY.
Jas. B. Richart was the first settler in the present limits of Carbondale.
He built a small log cabin on the ground now owned by G. R. Romig, in
the first block south of the public square. The cabin was added to and
finally torn away and a comfortable frame building erected in its place. Mr.
Richart has worked himself up until now he has a brick residence in the
east part of the city. Also a large farm east of the city, on one of which
the coal mine mentioned above, is situated.
Mr. Asgill Conner, was the next. He erected a log cabin in the 2d block
east of the public square. Additions were built to this, making it one of
the finest residences in the city, when it was destroyed by fire in 1874.
Just opposite Mr. Conner, across the street, was built, the first grocery store ,
a small frame building, by Col. D. H. Brush. At the present time, this is
used as a law office, by Col. Brush.
The first boarding-house was what is called a box house, erected on the
north-west side of the square, by Mr. Alfred Singleton. From this time on¬
ward the town advanced rapidly, until to-day it is the Metropolis of the
County. It is the eastern terminus of the G. T. & C. R. R., the western
terminus of the C. & S. R. R.
The town is laid out with the streets at right angles to each other; those
running north being parallel with the I. C. R. R., which here runs 7° west
of north. In the centre of the city there is an excellent and spacious public
square, around which the principal business of the town is transacted.
It has been observed by a distinguished writer, that some men are born
to prosperity, while others carve it out of the very desert of life, and rear
an oasis of success in its midst. Of this class is the subject of this sketch; and
in this connection we may add that, in reviewing the history and experience
of the prominent men of the west — to-day, few, if any, will be found who
commenced the struggle of life with brilliant prospects. The large body of
the truly successful and solid men, whom we jostle in the every-day walks
of life, have purchased their success through years of patient industry and
labor, but nevertheless it steadily and surely comes. Andrew D. Duff, the
eleventh child of Philip Duff and Mary Duncan his wife ; and only child
living ; was born Jan. 24th, 1820, in Bond County, Illinois. Philip and
Mary Dufl were married in South Carolina in the year 1801, moved to the
territory of Illinois in 1809, and settled in St. Clair County, and subse¬
quently moved to Bond County, where they resided for a number of years ;
afterwards located in Franklin County, Illinois, which continued to be their
home until their deaths. Andrew D., like many of the boys of that period,
had to battle with the fortunes of life at an early age, and when still a boy
commenced work on a farm at thirty cents per day. His advantages for
gaining an education were such as the district school afforded. But so in¬
tent was he in acquiring a greater breadth of culture, that he never wasted
an hour in idleness that could be devoted to his books. From 1842 to 1844
he was engaged in teaching, which afforded him additional leisure to con¬
tinue his studies. In 1846 he began reading law; served in the army during
the Mexican war nearly two years. Elected county Judge of Franklin
County in 1849, and admitted to the bar in 1850; elected Judge of the
twenty-sixth Judicial Circuit in 1861, and a member of the Constitutional con¬
vention of 1862, re-elected Circuit Judge in 1867. In all his official posi¬
tions, he has filled the offices to which he has been called, with eminent sat¬
isfaction to his constituents. In politics he has been a life-long Democrat.
Moved to Carbondale in 1873. In his domestic relations he is happily
situated. Was married March 24th, 1845, to Mary E. Powell. They have
four children living.
Judge William A. Lemma, the present State’s Attorney of Jackson
County, Illinois, and one of the most prominent of the leading members of
the legal fraternity in the County, was born in Shawneetown, Illinois,
on the 25th of December, A.D. 1840. He is the second and youngest child of
James Lemma, formerly a citizen of Shawneetown. His father emigrated
to this county from Ireland a few years previous to the birth of his son
James, and subsequently returned to his native land and died. The Judge
in his youthful days improved the means of culture and education afforded
by the common schools of the day, and in 1854, entered Chappel Hill Col¬
lege, at Dangerfield, Texas, and availed himself of the more ample and ex¬
tended means of mental culture there afforded him, which, as good seed in a
fertile soil, were destined to yield an abundant harvest in after days. The
Judge returned to Illinois in 1856, and afterwards, in 1858, he commenced
the study of the law under the instructions of the able and distinguished
lawyer. Judge William J. Allen. His legal pursuits and studies were sus¬
pended temporarily by the breaking out of the war of the great rebellion,
when, animated by the patriotic influence that fired the breasts of multitudes
of our brave young men, he enlisted under the banner of the Union, in the fall
of 1861, in company B of the 128th Regiment of the Illinois Volunteers, and
was appointed adjutant of the regiment. He was mustered in at Camp But¬
ler, at Springfield, Illinois, and thence he proceeded with his regiment to
Cairo, and thence to Columbus, Kentucky, and thence to Pochahontas, Ten¬
nessee. He was appointed in command of a detachment of the 128th Regi¬
ment, which was afterwards consolidated with the celebrated 9th Illinois
Regiment. He shortly afterwards resigned his connection with the regiment
and connected himself with the quartermaster’s department, at Columbus,
Kentucky, where he remained until the close of the war, after which he soon
located himself in Carbondale, Illinois, where he resumed his legal pursuits,
and was admitted to the profession in 1867 ; immediately he engaged in prac¬
tice, and rapidly won for himself laurels of professional honor and an honor¬
able and prominent position at the' county Bar, by his gentlemanly deport¬
ment, affable disposition, genial manners, persistent industry and assiduous
attention to business.
In the same year (1867) of his admission to the Bar he was elected Judge
of the City Court of the City of Carbondale, and in the fall of 1.871, he was
elected a member of the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, on the De¬
mocratic ticket, and at the expiration of this term was re-elected to the same
honorable position. In the winter of 1873 he was elected Mayor of the City
of Carbondale, and was re-elected again to the same position in 1874. In
the fall of the year 1876 he was elected State's Attorney for Jackson County,
which important position he now fills with eminent ability and the marked
approbation of the citizens of his native county. In politics Judge Lemma
has always been an unswerving supporter of the principles and policy of the
Democratic party, and wields a potent influence in the Democratic ranks of
southern Illinois. The Judge is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
As a judge, lawyer, politician, and private citizen, William A. Lemma has
won for himself a fair fame and an unblemished reputation in this State, and
has participated in many important legal contests with an ability and genius
that sheds lustre on the Bar of southern Illinois.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
81
From the Carbondale Transcript, July 16th, 1857.
POPULATION OF CARBONDALE.
We are indebted to Mr. Asgill Conner for the following facts in relation
to this town, he having made an enumeration of the inhabitants some two
or three weeks since : The total population within our corporation is 951, of
whom 865 are permanent residents, and the balance mechanics and laboners,
most of whom will doubtless continue to reside here. Immediately outside
the corporation line, and within the jurisdiction of the town authorities, live
a number of families, consisting of about 130 persons, making our population
1,081. Of these, 13 are widows, 5 preachers, 5 doctors; and 4 lawyers. There
are 4 blacksmiths' shops, 1 carriage shop, 1 furniture store, 1 hardware store,
2 drug stores, 1 family grocery, 1 saloon, 7 dry goods stores, 1 livery stable,
1 hotel, 1 printing office, 2 steam saw mills, 1 steam flouring mill, and 3 brick
yards — one of these yards has already burned a kiln of 180,000 brick, and
the others are hurrying up with all speed — in all they will probably turn
out 1,200,000 brick this season. This place is progressing rapidly ; buildings
are springing up in every direction, and a larger number of improvements
are in contemplation than are now under headway. Some idea of the
amount of building going on may be formed from the fact that over sixty
carpeuters are constantly employed, most of whom have on hand enough
work to keep them busy for three months to come. The scarcity of money
in Jackson and adjoining counties, consequent upon the short crops of last
year, has retarded the growth of Carbondale very materially. Had the times
continued as good as during the past year, our population would have num¬
bered at least 1,300, and improvements increased even in greater ratio.
From Transi ri i it, June 'loth. 1857.
WEALTH OF CARBONDALE.
The County Assessor informs us that the value of the real and personal
property in Carbondale is about 8300,000, and diat the number of our tax¬
payers is 120. When the first assessment was made, three years ago, the
whole amount of the property hardly reached 84,000. This shows a remark¬
ably rapid increase in wealth anil importance, and we trust it will progress
iu the ratio for many years to come. When such facts as these become fully
appreciated abroad, the attention of capitalists and emigrants will inevitably
be turned to this vicinity, and the undeveloped riches of this region be brought
to light. Was the same capital and population introduced here as at the
north, “ Egypt ” would be the most desirable portion of the west, and the
“garden ” of the Mississippi Valley.
Having seen Carbondale as she was in the past let us see her in the present.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
Carbondale contains an unusually large number of fine buildings. First,
among them is that of the Southern Normal, a cut of which is given in this
work, and which is elsewhere described. This is located in the southern part
of the town near the centre of an enclosed tract of twenty acres. It was
erected at a cost of more than a quarter of a million.
The Newell House is the finesthotel edifice in Southern Illinois, unless it is
surpassed by the Riverside Hotel, at Shawneetown, Charles Gager as pro¬
prietor, and “ knows how to keep a hotel.”
The High School Building, is a commodious brick structure, which was
some years ago erected by the Presbyterians for a college. Afterwards it
passed into control of the Christian denomination, when the Southern Illinois
College was established by Clark Braden. A majority of the departments
of the public school are in this building. In addition to this, the town has
two other school-houses, one in the western part of the town, and one in the
eastern, which is for the colored school. The schools of Carbondale have
been long noted for efficiency. For the past few years they have been under
the superintendency of Prof. G. C. Ross.
The Christian denomination has the best church edifice, but the Presby¬
terian, Methodist, Baptist and Southern Methodist, have each a good house
of worship.
PRIVATE RESIDENCES.
This city has many elegant homes. Those of J. G. Campbell, W. J. Allen,
D. H. Brush, E. P. Purdy. Frank Chapman, A.’ F. Bridges, Henry Camp¬
bell, J. M. Morgan, R. J. Cavett, S. G. Hindman and G. T. Winne are es¬
pecially worthy of notice. There are very many more that are creditable to
the taste of the owners, but space forbids further mention.
MILLS.
Graham and Barbour have a very large flouring mill, with a capacity of
240 barrels per day. The city mills are operated by Brown and Winfrey.
The Normal Mills are owned by S. G. Hindman & Co. Isaac Rapp, con¬
tractor and builder, has an extensive planing and moulding mill.
BUSINESS FIRMS.
Carbondale has thirteen firms that deal in groceries. We make mention
of J. M. Morgan & Co., Hill and Arnold, Harry Mertz, Beman and Bar¬
bour, John Borger and Sam. T. Brush & Co.
The principal dealers in dry goods and general merchandise are : North,
Campbell & Co , Richart and Campbell, E. S. Robertson, William Wycks,
R. M. Morgan and S. G. Hindman.
R. G. Sylvester, E. Patten, F. A. Prickett & Co., and Morse, Storer & Co.,
deal in drugs and medicines.
S. E. North and M. Goldman, deal iu ready-made clothing, and gents’
furnishings. There are two tailoring establishments. Miss Anthony and
Mrs. Tate have elegant millinery establishments. Richart aud Campbell and
J. D. Freeman are Bankers. The Carbondale marble works, are controlled
and operated by Hayden aud Arnold. E. P. Purdy is a dealer in lumber.
Scott Akins, sells stoves and tinware as does also the firm of Lee, Cochran
& Co. O. Barber deals in hardware; as does also Mr. H. Hudson. H.
Cochauower in saddles, harness, &c. Mrs. Leaver has a shoe store. R.
Romig is a cabinet maker and undertaker. There are four meat shops.
Miss Ada Harwood, and Charles Sheppard & Co., sell books, wall-paper,
stationery, etc. E. J. Ingersoll, deals largely in jewelry, clocks, watches,
etc. J. M. Scurlock, is a large dealer in agricultural implements, and
vehicles of every kind.
Two newspapers are published in the town, the Observer and Free l'ress,
and connected therewith are well conducted job offices. Such is a nearly
complete exhibit of the business firms. Iu addition, there are dealers in coal,
shoemaker shops, paint shops, etc.
MANUFACTURERS.
Carbondale branch of the AJden Fruit Preserving Company-
This was organized in 1872, capital $25,000- §16,000 was expended in
the erection of the building, which is 70 by 36 feet, and situated in the north¬
east part of the town.
FIRST BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Nelson W. Graham, President; Sam. T. Brush, Secretary; James M.
Richart, resident at Carbondale. Charles C. Keeler, J. Sherman Hall, resi¬
dent at Chicago.
It was made ready for the crop of 1872, and under the management of
Capt. J. B. Thorpe, 4,000 bushels of apples were evaporated that year. The
first year’s business was conducted at a loss. This was no fault of the man¬
agement, however ; Sam. T. Brush, then took charge of the factory and
operated it with the understanding that no loss was to be entailed upon the
company. Changes were made in machinery, and interior arrangements
of the building. Since 1874, it has been in successful operation, and not
a load of marketable fruit has been refused, but cash has been paid for
all offered.
The following statistics will be found interesting :
1874. Evaporated apples, 6,651 bushels. Average price paid 32 J cts.
1C
cc
corn, 1,200
pumpkins, 135,395 lbs.
cc
(C
60
2
Cts?
cc
1875.
cc
apples,
5,420 bushels.
Average price paid 35
cc
cc
corn,
400 “
cc
cc
50
cc
1876.
cc
apples,
3,214 “
CC
tc
29
cc
cc
corn,
1,200 “
tc
it
' 50
cc
1877.
cc
apples,
9,400 “
cc
cc
23
cc
c*
corn,
300 “
<c
cc
50
cc
U
peaches,
250 “
< t
cc
30
cc
The products are in active demand, and in 1877 were all sold in advance
of manufacture. The United States Government, has been a good customer,
having bought for the use of its army, 15,000 pounds of dried apples.
The season for drying the fruit, lasts from four to six weeks, during which
82
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
period the factory runs night and day, giving employment to seventy persons.
Much of the products find their market in California. The value to fruit
raisers of such an establishment, we fear is not fully appreciated. It affords
a home market, and hence saves to the honest farmer the exact amount it
would cost to ship by rail to market. It is unnecessary to say anything in
praise of the quality of the products of this factory. All that have seen
them will testify to their excellence.
CARBONDALE FOUNDRY.
This is not now in operation, and the prospect for its starting up again is
not very flattering. Atone time it gave employment to quite a number of men.
The present offers of the town are as follows: F. A. Prickett, Mayor;
O. H. Able, Clerk ; J. M. Prickett. Judge; C. C. Lawrence, Marshall; J.
M. Scurlock, Treasurer. Aldermen. — 1st ward, L. H. Carleton, S- T. Brush.
2d ward, R. Bryden, D. W. McFadden. 3d ward, John Hayden, Lewis
Marten. Justices of Carbondale Township — J. H. Crandall, W. H. Cochau-
ower, D. N. Hamilton Constables — W. H. Baird, Charles P. Baxter.
George Terry
Carbondale, notwithstanding the hard times, has made rapid growth
during the past four years. It is without doubt destined to become one of
the great cities of the southern jsart of the state.
(b -
BIOGRAPHICAL
■G)
3
ROBERT ALLAN, LL.D.
Robert Ali.yn was born January 25th, 1817, in the town of Ledyard,
New Loudon Couuty, Connecticut. He is a direct descendant, in the eighth
generation, from Captain Robert Allyn, one of the first settlers of New Lon¬
don, and afterwards of Norwich.
His childhood was spent on a farm in the northeast part of a very rugged
township, but among an industrious, honest and very intelligent community.
The district school was their pride, and to satisfy a desire which its discipline
bred, the people had provided a circulating library of perhaps two hundred
volumes. These the youth read and reread, till before he was sixteen he had
read Johnson’s, Addison’s, Shakespeare’s, and many of Scott’s works. His
desire for further education was stimulated by these books, and soon after the
family had removed to another town in the same county he entered the Ba¬
con Academy in Colchester, and began preparation for college. He began
teaching school in the town of East Lyme, Connecticut, in the winter of
1834-5, and when he had completed his term of three months at $11 per month
— boarding around — he was delighted to find an application coming to him
to teadh a month longer in the adjoining district at $13 per month. The next
winter he taught in the town of Bozrah at $19. These wages are named be¬
cause at that day in old Connecticut, then reckoned the head of the column of
educational progress, such prices were almost a marvel for a youth of eighteen.
He has taught more or less every year since then, and probably has never
felt prouder of any salary than of these monthly wages. He often relates
some amusing adventures with short beds and scanty coverings, supplemented
by the warm side of a good house dog, or of smoking fires and breakfasts de¬
layed and forsaken in order to be on time at school, or of crying children
magnetized by stories or pencil sketches of birds and beasts — probably such
as nature never imagined — of sleighing frolics and quiltings, now banished
from good society and forgotten in the midst of intellectual delights. Such
schools and school-keeping have vanished.
He prepared for college at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and in 1837 entered
the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Connecticut, from which he gradu¬
ated in 1841. He spent a few vacation months in 1837-8 in the book busi¬
ness in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, and learned much of the coves
and oyster bed of the Chesapeake Bay, and something of the negroes and
coon and ’possum hunting, no less than a little tact of selling articles which
people protest they do not want. He has sometimes said that a portion, at
least, of his ability to “ put things” properly before his pupils was acquired
in these face to face attempts to persuade men that they actually were suffer¬
ing from the want of books, of which they had never before heard and for
which they were conscious of no desire whatever.
A few months before the time for him to graduate, he was engaged to sup¬
ply the place of a teacher, in the Wilbraham Academy, who had4been taken
sick. This introduced him into his profession as a teacher of Mathematics,
in the spring of 1841. He continued in this place more than two years. On
November 18th, 1841, he married Miss Emeline II. Denison, of Coleraine,
Massachusetts. At the end of his term of teaching he entered the Providence
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was stationed in Col¬
chester, Conn., where he continued two years. During these years his wife
died leaving him with two children. In 1845 he was stationed in Thomp-
sonville, Conn., and on June 22d, 1845, married Miss Mary B. Buding-
ton, of Leyden, Massachusetts. Soon afterwards he was elected Principal of
the Wilbraham Academy, but at first declined on account of a preference for
the ministry. But at the desire, and finally by the appointment of the
Bishops of his church, he accepted the position and remained in that office
for three years.
At the end of that period, feeling displeased with some action of the Trus¬
tees, which he fancied did not fully endorse him and his administration, he
resigned, and was at once by the Bishops transferred to the Principalship of
of the Providence Conference Seminary at East Greenwich, Rhode Island,
where he continued for six years. While here he was, as he had been ill
Massachusetts, a leading advocate for better public schools, lecturing and
teaching at Institutes with Horace Mann, Henry Barnard, Lowell Mason,
Louis Agassiz and others. He also was an earnest supporter of the discus¬
sion on the subject of Temperance and what was called the “ Maine Law.”
This brought him into the Legislature twice, and made him well-known in
all parts of his little State. In 1854, on the resignation of Elisha R. Potter,
Commissioner of Public Schools of Rhode Island, he was appointed to suc¬
ceed him, and continued in that office three years. These were years of
labor, and his reports were received with satisfaction and approval.
He resigned this place in September, 1857, and entered a quieter field as
Professor of Ancient Languages in the Ohio University at Athens, Ohio. At
this place also his labors were abundant in the common school work, and at
Associations and Institutes he was always appreciated and influential. After
two years he was chosen as President of the Wesleyan Female College in
Cincinnati. Here lie labored for four years. But the Institution had been
burdened with free scholarships, and was fettered by debt, and during the civil
war it was thought best to sell out and build in another part of the city. As
this would involve two or three years of comparative idleness, he decided to
abandon that field and accept the Presidency of McKendree College at Leba¬
non, Illinois.
After eleven years of unceasing and very fruitful labor, he was elected in
(dec ’a)
The late venerable William H. Hord, M. D., was born near Halifax, Va.,
December 9, 1807. About the year 1810, his father, Rhodin Hord moved
to Kentucky, and settled in Mason County. It was here that the Doctor
received his rudimentary education.
Rhodin Hord was a soldier in the war of 1812. When the Doctor was
seventeen years of age, his father and mother died, and it was about that
time that he commenced the study of medicine with his brother-in-law, Dr.
Scudder, of Mason County, finishing his course at the Medical College in
Cincinnati, from which institution he graduated September 5th, 1827. Soon
after practiced in his profession at Indianapolis, where he remained two years
and a half, then returned to Virginia to recuperate his health. Four years
later he went to Hannibal, Mo. He was married December 2d, 1834, to
Miss Ann W. Williams, which took place at St. Louis. She was the
daughter of Thomas N. Williams, and was a native of Worchester County,
Maryland, born near Berlin, May 2d, 1814. After the death of her parents
she went to live with her brothers, at Hannibal, and it was here that she
became acquainted with the Doctor. By this union they had a family of six
children born to them, but two of whom are living, viz , Thomas F. residing
at Murphysboro, and Clara, wife of Wm. A. Pierce, of Carbondale.
The Doctor lived for a time at Boonville, Missouri, and engaged in mer¬
chandising, from which place he moved to Newton County, Missouri, where
he built a flouring mill, and carding machine, and established a store, at a
place known as the Grand Falls of Shoal Creek. After remaining at this
place for nine years he moved to St. Louis. In the fall of ’54 he left St .
Louis, and settled in Murphysboro’, where he practiced medicine and engaged
in merchandising. Dr. Hord afterwards moved two or three times, — how¬
ever, not out of the county, — finally located at Carbondale, where he live d
until his death, November 23, 1877.
In politics he was republican. Doctor Hord when quite young became
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife joined the same
denomination soon after they were married. In glancing back upon the
record of our venerable subject, his children may well feel satisfied with his
career. Of good parentage, he has kept the paternal shield “bright,” and
the people of Jackson County have known him and his family as among
their best citizens. His opportunities for culture in youth were good. He
acquired a thorough medical education, and was a man of very general in¬
formation. Patriotic, honest, and upright, he has always endeavored to
obey the poet’s admonition, to “ be just, and fear not.” He has not acted
upon the principle that —
“ One crowded hour of glorious life
Is worth an age without a name,”
but has sought rather to let the whole tenor of his life pass so that its memory
may hereafter linger, the fit semblance of a beautiful dream.
PItOF. JAMES II. BROWNLEE.
Prof. James H. Brownlee was boru in Livonia, Indiana, on the 29th
of December, 1846. His father, James Brownlee, a Presbyterian minister,
is of Scotch parentage, but was born in the kingdom of Ireland. Lavinia
Brownlee, his mother, was a McClung, of Virginia, and was a woman of un¬
common strength and sweetness of character.
When the subject of this sketch was 11 years of age, his father, in 1858,
moved to the then territory of Kansas. The country was very sparsely in¬
habited and there were no schools. The lack of educational advantages was
largely supplied in having an educated father and mother, and access to a
large and well selected library, albeit somewhat theological in character. In
1864, the year of his dear mother’s death, he entered the army of the Union,
serving first in the 17th and afterward in the 10th Kansas Infantry. He was
honorably discharged on the 17th day of May, 1865, having risen by soldierly
conduct to the grade of a sergeant, and having, for his proficiency in military
tactics, been detached from his regiment and appointed drill sergeant at Fort
Leavenworth. He made a trip to New Mexico in government employ, in
the summer and autumn of 1865, and the next year came to Illinois, and was
enrolled as a student in the preparatory department of McKendree College.
He graduated from this institution on the 10th of May, 1870, and has since
been constantly employed as a teacher in the schools of the state. He
was elected to the chair of Elocution in the Southern Illinois Normal in
the spring of 1874, and has been connected with that institution since
then.
He was married to Miss Sallie C. Carey, of GrayviUe, Illinois , in 1873.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
83
the spring of 1874 to the Presidency of the Southern Illinois Normal Uni¬
versity, located at Carbondale, Jackson County. From the earliest concep¬
tion of the plan to the completion of the building, he was one of the first ad¬
visers. On the 1st of July, 1874, on the occasion of the dedication of the
building by Gov. Beveredge, the Institution was formally given into his
charge. Having spent most of his life in the educational work, and much of
it in the public school line, he was well fitted for his new position.
In connection with marked ability in the capacity of teacher, the Doctor
ranks as one of the best writers and thinkers of his time. A man the State
of Illinois may proudly claim as one of the foremost educators of the land.
This position introduced him for the first time into the educational circles
of Illinois. By a faithful attendance on the principal educational conven¬
tions, associations and institutes, he Soon became well known throughout the
state, and was early recognized as one of its leaders. The institution of
which he took charge in 1868, was very prosperous, considering the peculiar
circumstances which surrounded it. The financial interests were largely en¬
trusted to his care, and by judicial management a heavy indebtedness which
had long been crippling the influence of the college, was very much reduced.
Being very fond of landscape gardening and work of that kind, the college
campus was much improved by planting evergreens, shrubbery, vines, &c.
During the first few years of his sojourn in Lebanon, he also acted as pas¬
tor of the M. E. Church. Many were the discouragements attending the
history of the college during his term of service, yet by untiring industry the
college was much improved and the cause of education generally much ad¬
vanced in the southern end of the State.
F. A. PRICKETT,
Mayor of Carbondale, was the son of J. M. and Mary Prickett. J. M.
Prickett was a native of West Virginia. In June 1855, with a family *of
seven children, he moved to Paris, this State. He resided there about two
years, when he then moved to Carbondale in 1857, where he still resides.
He has been a Justice of the Peace for fourteen years, and is at the present
time Judge of the City Courts, having held the office over four years. The
subject of this sketch was born in Fairmount, Marion County, Virginia,
October 27, 1842. He being about twelve years of age w'hen his father came
to this country, his schooling was received at the district schools the country
afforded at that time. He lived at home with his parents until the age of
twenty-one, with the exception of one and a half years, when he was in the
employ of Mr. Wardell, of Springfield, this State, clerking in his grocery
establishment.
In 1863 he opened a drug-store in Carbondale and in 1867 he thought he
would try his fortune farther west, and consequently opened a second drug¬
store, in Baxter Springs, Kansas, leaving his business in Carbondale under
the charge of his brother, L. L. Prickett. At the expiration of a year and a
half he sold out his drug-store in Baxter Springs, and returned to Carbon¬
dale, where he has been engaged in the drug business since. He was married
in 1868 to Miss Susan L. Whithrow, of Baxter Springs. To this union was
given a family of four children, viz.: Luella P., Edgar E., Fred B., and
Flora Pearl, the oldest, Luella, having crossed the mystic river.
Politically he is a Republican, taking a deep interest in the success of the
party. He has devoted his entire time to his private affairs, and has left
official positions to those who are more aspiring. In April, 1877, he was
elected Mayor of Carbondale, which office he now holds, with credit to him¬
self and general satisfaction to the people. Socially he is a good and reliable
member of society. He is a speculative mason, having advanced to the
Knight Templar’s degree, where we leave him, believing that in all proper
places he will prove himself worthy and well qualified.
ROBERT GOODWIN
Was the son of Robert and Polly Goodwin. His paternal ancesters were of
Scotch origin, and his maternal, German. He was born in East Tennessee,
May 2d, 1818. In Tennessee, at that time, the common schools were but
meagre affairs, and young Goodwin only enjoyed their benefits for a brief
time, when he found himself in the sparsely settled regions of Southern Illi¬
nois. In the year 1830, his father emigrated to Jackson County. He had a
family of seven children. The subject of our sketch was about twelve years
of age.
In the year 1837, he was united in marriage to Miss Susannah Henson, a
native of Tennessee. To this union they have had six children born to them,
one living, Ursula, now the wife of Jacob Sware, a resident of Carbondale.
Mr. Goodwin has lived the life of a farmer. Jan. 1877, he was appointed
by the County Court, as superintendent of the County farm, which position
he still holds. He is a genuine Democrat. He has a kind, generous and
sympathetic nature ; he is well fitted for the position he holds. He is moved
by true and honorable impulses, and has a desire to do that which is right,
not for reward of glory, but simply because It is right.
DR. G. M. O’HARA.
Dr. G. M. O’Hara, son of John and Fannie C. O’Hara, was born June
16th, 1852, in Fulton, Oswego County, New York. In* 1856, he came west
with his parents, who settled at Galesburg, in this State, where they con¬
tinued to live about eight years. From thence they moved to Springfield ;
remained there one year, after which they came to Carbondale, where they
now reside. His father, Dr. John O’Hara, is a Canadian, by birth, and his
mother was born in New York.
Dr. G. M. O’Hara, had excellent opportunities of acquiring an education
in early life, and applied himself vigorously to his studies. He has been a
student in the Springfield High School, the Southern Illinois Normal Uni¬
versity, and several other institutions of note. He acquired his professional
knowledge under the instruction of Dr. C. G. French, one of the best Dent¬
ists in the State. The Dr. also attended medical lectures in Cincinnati, in
the winter of 1875-76.
He commenced the practice of Dentistry in Carbondale and Murphysboro’
in 1873, with good success.
He was married August 21, 1875, to Miss Nellie Everhart, of Rochester,
Illinois, by which union they have one child.
JOHN W. WAYMAN
Is a native of Kenton County, Kentucky, born Dec. 10th, 1835, and is the
eldest living child of Stanton and Catharine Wayraan. Stanton Wayman,
was a native of Virginia, and in 1812 his parents removed to Campbell
County, Kentucky, and settled on a farm in that portion which since has
been formed into Kenton County, where they continued to reside. Owing
to the then sparsely settled condition of the country, the subject of our
sketch had but limited facilities for gaining an education. However, by
considerable effort, he succeeded in acquiring a pretty good knowledge of the
rudiments of an English education, sufficient to serve him for the practical
affairs of life. When about twenty-oue years of age he set out for himself.
Previous to that time he assisted his father in cultivating the home place.
On the first of February, 1859, he was married in Kenton County, Ken¬
tucky, to Miss Caroline Sparrow, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Sparrow.
In March, 1859, he removed to this County, came from Kentucky in a steam¬
boat to Chester, thence by wagons to Will's farm, where he spent the first
summer. And for the first four years, he rented a farm, and after which
time he purchased his present farm, on which he now resides, of 160 acres,
an elegant view of which will be shown on another page of this work.
His is among the good wheat growing farmers in Levan Township. Mr.
Wayman has had a family of five children as follows, in the order of their
ages: Charles Lewis, Stanton Edwin, Sarah Francis, Nettie Catherine and
Wm. Silas Wayman. About the year 1867, Mr. and Mrs. Wayman be¬
came members of the Lutheran Church. He has been for a considerable
time one of the elders of bis church. Mrs. Wayman died at their residence,
October 5th, 1876, of congestion of the lungs. In her death, her children
and husband lost a dear, loving and Christian mother and wife, whose ex¬
cellent qualities of head and heart endeared her to all who knew her. In
politics, Mr. Wayman is and always has been a member of the Democratic
party. He has nev^r allowed his name to be used for political purposes, but
has preferred to make his mark in the quieter pursuits of farming. He now
takes rank among the leading farmers of Levan Township. By an industri¬
ous application to his business he has succeeded in acquiring a comfortable
competence, and his urbane, pleasant and genial manners, never fails to win
the esteem and respect of all who know him.
DEGOGNIA TOWNSHIP
HE name of this township was conferred upon it in the year 1872,
when township organization was adopted by the people. The
name was derived from Degognia Creek, which had been so
named in honor of a Frenchman named Degognia, who was one
of the early settlers in the township. This township lies in the northwestern
part of the county, and is almost triangular in shape. Tradition, has handed
down little regarding the Frenchman, whose name, by being united to one
of the most beautiful streams, and linked to one of the fairest portions of the
county, has been rendered historic and immortal. He lived, he suffered, he
joyed, he died. Mr. Reed was the first settler in the township and County.
In the year 1804 he located, and built a cabin on the creek, which will ever
perpetuate his name and the memory of his untimely end. He was foully
murdered by his only neighbor, Mr. Jones. No motive entirely satisfactory
has been assigned for this heinous crime, which deeply stained the first page
of our County’s history. Some have supposed the motive was to gain pos¬
session of the little money and few traps owned by Mr. Reed. This was
certainly not a very great inducement for one to jeopardize life. But if the
motives that impelled Jones to the committal of so dark a crime as murder
were ever known, they have now been long forgotten. For many years the
forms of both the victim and bis murderer have been mouldering in the
grave. Jones was arrested notwithstanding his flight; conveyed to the then
seat of government, Kaskaskia ; given a fair, but speedy trial ; found guilty;
sentenced to death upon the scaffold. Thus perished the first murderer of
Jackson County. Among other early settlers in Degognia township we
mention James Isom, John Luney, William B. Pike, Jr., Pierson aud
William Duncan, and Enoch Lively, who had quite a local celebrity as a
hunter. Many anecdotes are still related of his skill in woodcraft and ac¬
curacy with the rifle.
The first school-house was erected in 1839, and stood near the present
residence of Mr. Isom. It was known as the “ Hopewell School,” a name at
once poetical and appropriate. The first teacher who gathered the youth
within its walls, to instruct them in the rudiments of an English education,
w'as a Mr. Gatewood, whose name is mentioned with respect by his pupils.
He was succeeded by Mr. Holworth, who had charge for some time; justhow
long cannot be ascertained. In 1848 Dr. Hodge taught school there.
The first physician who located in the township was Dr. Hezekiah C-
Hodge. He settled within its limits in 1847.
Rev. Robert P. Gentry is said to have preached the first sermon. The
services were held in the Hopewell School-house. He was a Missionary-
Baptist, and at the time there is said to have been but one professing Chris¬
tian. This was Mrs. Jones, the wife of William Jones, who Is still living.
Since then the means of grace have been multiplied ; faithfhl witnesses for
the truth of revealed religion have directed the attention of the people to
their need of religion, which contains a perfect adaptation to all their wants;
the morality of the inhabitants has been greatly improved, and the cause of
truth and Christianity has greatly prevailed. Instead of one witness for
Jesus there are now many. There is, however, but one regular church
organization in the township, which is knowu as the Buchanan Church, and
is of the Christian denomination. Many of the people attend on divine
worship at Rockwood, a little village just over the line, in Randolph County,
and other places. The first death was that of Mr. Reed, who died by the
hand of violence, as has previously been noticed.
Mr. Henry Albridge, in 1848, built the first mill, which was a saw-mill,
and which found plenty of work in sawing good lumber so abundantly fur¬
nished by the Degognia forests.
The first store was kept on the bank of the Mississippi by Henry Beauvais.
The largest portiou of the township is level, and consists of bottom land,
unequalled for fertility. Corn, especially, yields most abundantly, while the
facilities for getting the products to market at cheap rates are unusually
good, as the western boundary of the township is the great Father of Waters.
The hills are not so rocky and precipitous as to render them unsusceptible of
cultivation. The staple productions of this township are wheat, corn, clover,
and fruit, all of which are pi’oduced in great quantity. The township is well
improved, and the beautifql hills and rich bottoms are chequered over with
noble farms that speak of wealth and plenty. There are many good home-
residences, evidently abodes of comfort and refinement. The people of
Degognia are thrifty and contented, enterprising and intelligent, moral and
industrious. They are proud of their homes, and year by year are improv¬
ing them, rendering them more attractive, and their farms more productive.
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
WILLIAM BRANDON PIKE.
Among the prominent gentlemen, old settlers, and successful farmers of
Degognia township, we record with pleasure the name of Mr. Pike, a native
of Sumner County, Tennessee, born January 19, 1822. He is the fourth
child of William Baker Pike and Margaret (Brandon) Pike. Mr. Pike was
of Anglo-Saxon or English descent ; his wife of Celtic origin ; both repre¬
senting the productive and industrial interests of the fatherland, carrying
their thrift and enterprise in the channels of every-day life. Mr. Pike and
wife had seven children, three of whom are yet living. Mary G. is the wife
of David Eachus, of California; Hetishey, wife of David Lung, of this
township. William Baker Pike was born in South Carolina. His wife is a
native of North Carolina. He emigrated with his parents when a boy to
Tennessee, and on the breaking out of the war of 1812 he entered the army,
under Gen. Jackson. Quoting, verbatim, the language of his discharge,
which is now quite an historical souvenir : “I certify that Wm. B. Pike en-
84
rolled himself, as a volunteer under the Acts of Congress of Feb. 6, 1812,
and July 6, 1812, and ^that he served as such, under my command, on a
tower to the Natchez country, from the 10th of Dec. 1812, to 22d of April,
1813. He is hereby discharged.
A. Jackson, Maj. -General.”
He also served in the war against the Creek nation.
“ Pursuant to the orders of Gov. Blount, I do hereby certify that Wm. B.
Pike, Corporal in Capt. Lauderdale’s Company in the First Regt. of Ten¬
nessee Volunteers, was in the service of the United States, in the Creek
Nation, under the command of Maj. -General Andrew Jackson, from the 26th
day of Sept. 1813, until the 28th day of December, 1813, and has performed
his duty faithfully as a good soldier, and is hereby honorably discharged the
service. Given under my hand and seal, this 20th day of Aug., 1814.
E. Bradley, Col. 1st Regt. Tennessee Inft.”
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
85
These old papers, nearly three-quarters of a century old, are still pre¬
served in the family of Mr. Pike. It was in Tennessee that Mr. Pike became
acquainted with and married Miss Brandon, and in November, 1828, they
moved to Illinois, first locating in Randolph County ; remained there oue
year, then moved to and settled on a farm, which is now embraced in Brad¬
ley township, this County. On the breaking out of the Black Hawk war,
the old veteran was among the first to enlist to aid in protecting the lives
and homes of the hardy pioneers of the then infant State of his adoption.
He served under Col. Gabriel Jone3, and participated in the principal battles
of that campaign. Mrs. Pike died at their residence in 1846, and in 1847
Mr. Pike removed to Randolph County, where his death occurred in the
year 1849.
The subject of our sketch, when a boy, had only limited literary oppor¬
tunities— such advantages only as were afforded during the “ log school-
house period.’’ By a diligent use of the means afforded, he has managed to
secure a fair business education. He has been a business man from the first,
being in early life thrown on his own resources, from which time he has
struggled with fickle fortune on the golden slopes of the Pacific, and amidst
the bayous and forests of the sunny South, as well as in the more desirable
and peaceful avocations of rural life, surrounded by family and friends.
Few of us to-day fully appreciate the trials and labors incident to the first
settlement of a new country. Without the many comforts and conveniences
which we possess to-day, on entering some lately developed territory, the
pioneer, at that time, relied on mother earth for the necessities of life in lieu
of the luxuries of modern times. Thus, under many hardships, their diet,
consisting of plain and homely fare, they exhibited such heroism as the
world has been wont to dwell upon, and to regard with mingled sentiments
of surprise and admiration.
Mr. Pike may be regarded as among the most industrious and enterpris¬
ing of those brave men, who at that period were laying the foundation of
Jackson County’s future growth and development. It would be a great
pleasure to-day to read the complete history of the doings of the settlers
prior to the “deep snow.” The student is accustomed to admire the classic
verse in which are depicted the labors of iEneas and his brave Trojans while
endeavoring to found a State : so we desire to read the scanty records of
those times, when the fate of Illinois seemed trembling in the balance, and
the settlement of old Jackson seemed postponed to some more favorable
period. No Virgil has pqrtrayed their trials in heroic metre. No muse has
sung of their achievements ; but yet, we trust, their names and their memo¬
ries are stamped upon the hearts of the present generation, never to be
effaced.
On arriving to the age of twenty-one Mr. Pike left home, and set out to
do for himself, going to Wisconsin to seek his fortune in the lead mines, and
remained there five years working in and about the miues. Not finding it
as profitable as he anticipated, he left Wisconsin and went to Louisiana in
1847, where for three years he was engaged in lumbering, and where he suc¬
ceeded iu accumulating some money.
He returned to Jackson County, and remained here about eighteen months.
In the spring of 1852 he set out with a small party, on an overland trip with
teams, to the golden State, arriving at Sacramento city after a toilsome and
tedious trip of four months. From there he at once set out for the moun¬
tains, and worked in the gold mines about seven years. He was quite suc¬
cessful, and brought home considerable of the glittering metal, with which
he was enabled to purchase the farm on which he now resides, a fine litho¬
graphic view of which is shown on a page of this work, to which we invite
the reader’s attention.
On the 5th of June, 1862, Mr. Pike was married to Miss Eliza Tudor,
daughter of Samuel and Jane Tudor, residents of this County, but formerly
of Haverstraw, New York. Mr. Tudor and wife were both natives of Eng¬
land. Both emigrated with their parents when quite young, and settled in
New York State. There they grew up, became acquainted, married, and
subsequently moved to Jackson County, Illinois. Mr. Tudor died in Sept.,
1854, and his wife survived him until June, 1858. By the above union Mr.
Pike and wife have had born to them seven children, three of whom are de¬
ceased. Those living are — Albert, (Edgar Conness), Nellie Bernice, and
Murry Asgil Pike. One of the deceased children was named Tessa Bran¬
don Pike, and the other.two died in infancy.
While residing in California, on July 4, 1855, Mr. Pike became a member
of the Order of Odd Fellows, and has remained a consistent member since.
During the early part of his life he was in politics a Democrat, and his first
vote for President was cast for James K. Polk. He continued to vote with
that party until 1856, when he voted for Fillmore. He also voted for
Douglass in 1860, and after that acted with the Republican party, since
which time he has been among its earnest supporters. The amiable partner
of his joys and sorrows, Mrs. Pike, is a lady of refinement and of the highest
social standing, but also combines those rare elements of gentle firmness and
business tact, so essential to a mother and wife in the government of a
household and the administration of a multiplicity of interests which, at
times, will fall necessarily to the management of a farmer’s wife. She takes
a pleasure in assisting her husband to dispense a generous hospitality!
MADISON PRICE, Esq.
Madison Price is the eldest living child of Columbus and Lydia Swan
Price, and was born February 1st, 1841, in Perry County, Missouri. His
father, Columbus Price, was of Welsh descent. He was born in North Caro¬
lina, and came while a young man, with his parents, to Perry County, Mis¬
souri. Here he entered laud, and made the farm on which his son Madison
was born. He married Miss Lydia Swan, of Cape Gerideanx County, Mis¬
souri. In 1865 he settled on the farm iu Jackson County, (now owned by
M. and R. B. Pricej where he remained until 1869, when he returned to the
old farm in Perry County, where he died, February 9th, 1873. His wife
died September 9th, 1865. Madison Price obtained the ground-work of an
education in the public schools of Perry County, the superstructure in the
high schools of Arcadia and Pleasant Hill. He took particular delight in
mathematics, and is well versed in the higher brandies of algebra, trigono¬
metry, Ac., and is a gentleman of more than ordinary culture and ability.
He came to Jackson County after leaving school, and his first employment
was chopping cord-wood. February 25th, 1873, he married Miss Amelia
Gordon, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Gordon, of this County. They
have had one child, Bertha L. In politics Mr. Price is a Jacksonian Demo¬
crat, and is a strong adherent of the present Democratic party, and was a
strong supporter of Mr. Tilden for the Presidency. He was elected super¬
visor of his (Degognia) township, which position he filled acceptably for
one year.
Mr. Price, however, is not a politician, but devotes most of his time and
attention to his farm, which is one of the best in that section, and delight¬
fully situated on the banks of the Mississippi river.
As an agriculturalist he has met with that success that strict attention to
business always brings, and annually raises from twelve to fifteen hundred
bushels of wheat. He is considered one of the leading men in his business
in Jackson County, and is besides a clever and a cultivated gentleman.
GEORGE WASHINGTON JOHNSTON.
George Washington Johnston is the eldest child of H. and Maria
Johnston, of Licking County, Ohio, where he was born, June 17th, 1823.
He is one of five survivors of a family of eleven children. In 1839 his
father removed with his family to Jackson County, Illinois, and located near
where Aaron Jones now lives, in Kinkaid Township. He afterwards moved
to a place about a mile south of his son’s residence, in Degognia Township,
where he continued to live until his death. George W. had no opportunities
during his youth of acquiring an education ; and all the information he has
been able to glean he has done since he was married. When twenty years
of age he went to Jefferson County, Ohio, and commenced working at the
cooper’s trade, at which he remained about five years. On ' the 22d of
February, 1844, he married Miss Rebecca Rouse, daughter of David Rouse,
of Jefferson County. In 1849, he returned to Illinois and located in Shelby
County. Not liking the locality, he, after a year’s residence, removed to
Peoria, where he worked at his trade twelve months.
From there he went to Fulton County, locating at Lewiston, where he
continued to reside until 1863, when he removed to his present home in this
County. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have had a family of eight children, two
of whom died in Fulton County and one in Jackson County. Their eldest
son, William H., is married ; Emily, Enozy and their youngest son, An¬
drew, are still living at home with their parents. Mr. Johnston is, and has
always been, a strong Democrat, and is, as he has himself said, one of
those men who never scratches his ticket. During the war he was an advo¬
cate and supporter of the Union cause. He is now a man in the prime of
86
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY \ ILLINOIS.
life, enjoying the fruits of his early life of industry and self-denial on his fine
farm, surrounded by his wife and children, and is a man who, by his straight¬
forward conduct and honest endeavors, has won the respect and confidence
of friends and neighbors.
ARCHIBALD HAMILTON.
To our sister State, Indiana, belongs the credit of being the birth-place of
one of the best citizens of Southern Illinois. Archibald Hamilton was born
in Washington County, Indiana, April 27th, 1818. He is one of four sur¬
viving children of Archibald and Susanna Hamilton, who were both natives of
North Carolina. They came to Indiana in 1817, where they remained until
their deaths. Owing to the condition of the country at that time, their son
Archibald had few advantages, but unaided he succeeded in gaining a good
deal of practical information. When twenty-one, he set out in life on his own
account, first living with relatives near the Osage River, in Missouri. He
soon after returned home and commenced operations on a farm, near the old
homestead, given him by his father. When twenty-five years old, he
married Miss Ellen Overton, who lived only seven months after the uuion.
In 1845 he married Rebecca Wells, of his native county. They have had nine
children, five of whom are still living. One died in infancy. Ellen and
Henrietta died young. James B., their second son, died Feb. 29th, 1877,
having been married only two months prior to his death. Sarah, wife of
John Morgan, resides in the County. Marcus S., Angeline, William, and
Charley, still live with their pareuts. In 1856, Mr. Hamilton, with his
family, removed to Randolph County, and located on the island opposite
Rockwood, where he engaged in the wood trade. In Sept. 1861, he enlisted
in Company K., Col. Wilson’s 5th Illinois Cavalry. Went to Camp Butler,
where he remained until the following March, when they went to St. Louis,
thence to Pilot Knob, then joined the army under Gen. Steele, then marched
through Arkansas to Pochahontas, having a skirmish just before reaching
the latter place. They theu went to Helena, where they were on duty about
a year. After which, they joined the main army at Vicksburg. After its
surrender, they went to Jackson, Mississippi, where they met and defeated
Gen Johnston, and counter-marched to Vicksburg. Where, after sometime
spent in recruiting, they started on a raid, and captured the road from Jack-
son to Memphis. They theu returned to Vicksburg, where they were
mustered out, Oct. 31st, 1864. Mr. Hamilton met with no other misfortune
during this long period of active service, than being captured and detained
as a prisoner of war, for about six months. At the expiration of which time,
he was exchanged and rejoined his regiment at Helena. In 1867, he pur¬
chased the farm where he now resides. It contains four hundred and fifty
acres of rich, alluvial deposit, peculiar to bottom lands, and is considered one
of the best in his neighborhood. It is in an excellent state of cultivation,
and has been handsomely improved by Mr. Hamilton.
In early life he was a Whig, but has been a staunch Republican ever
since the organization of that party, and demonstrated his faith in its policy
by shoulderiqg his musket and going to the front, to vindicate its principles
and help to establish its supremacy.
WILLIAM MONTGOMERY DUNCAN
Was born iii Lancaster district, South Carolina, Nov. 1st, 1815, he being the
eighth of ten children of Pierson and Sarah Duncan. When William was
about eight years old, Mr. Duncan moved and settled with his family in
Jackson County, Georgia, and in the fall of 1827, he started for Illinois,
bringing his wife and children, and a few household goods, landing at his
destination on Christmas day, in Jefferson County, locating on a farm three
miles south of Mt. Vernon. In the fall of 1829, he removed to Randolph
County, and settled about eight miles above Kaskaskia, where he made one
crop, and in the spring of ’31 moved to Jackson County, and settled on a
tract of land about half a mile from the home place of Wm. Duncau. His
death occurred about the year 1843. His widow survived him three or four
years. Wm. M. Duncan was married June 22d, 1835, to Sarah Atkins, of
Randolph County. They had ten children ; five are yet living. She died
Nov. 25th, 1854, and on the 8th of July ’55, Mr. D. married Caroline Tyn¬
dall. They had four children, three of whom are still living. Mrs. Dun¬
can died, April 30th, 1865, and on the 5th of September following, he mar¬
ried Mrs. Marilla Hobbs. By that union they had four children — two boys
yet living. Mrs. D. died Sept. 6th, 1875, and on the 28th of Jan., 1876, Mr.
Duncan married a sister to his former wife, Mrs. N. Hobbs, who is still
living.
In politics, our subject is a member of the Democratic party. His first
vote for President, was cast for Martin Van Buren. He is now enjoying
good health, and is among the old residents of his township.
ROBERT BURNS MORGAN, Esq.
Is one of three surviving members of a family of eleven children of Carey
and Eliza Caroline Morgan. He was born May 6, 1840, in Arkansas. While
still an infant, his parents removed from Arkansas, and settled on a farm
near Nashville, Washington County, Illinois, where they remained until
1855, in which year, they again moved, this time settling on a farm in the
celebrated American Bottom. The farm was situated on what is known as
the Middle Alton Road, in Madison County, and is about six miies from St.
Louis. Here they continued to reside until 1862, when they moved to
Degognia, Jackson County, where they remained until their deaths. Young
Morgan had few advantages during his youth, and the knowledge, of which
he possesses sufficient, for all practical purposes, was gained by steady aud
industrious effort. He started in life for himself in 1860, and on the 11th
of October of, the same year, was married to Mary Bishop. Her father,
Jonathan Bishop, was one of the early settlers of Madison County, in this
State. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have had a family of nine children, six of
whom are still living.
In the summer of 1864, Mr. Morgan purchased, aud removed with his family
to the farm where they now reside, in Jackson County. As a farmer, he
has been quite successful, and the condition of his farm, which is one of the
best in his township, shows that he is thoroughly conversant with his busi¬
ness, and is an industrious and energetic man. He usually raises for market
from one thousand to twelve hundred bushels of wheat, a fact that places •
him in the ranks of the producers of the country, and oue of those to whom
she owes her wealth and prosperity. Although never an office-seeker or cau-
ditate for office, he has always been warmly attached to the Republican party
and its policy.
Mr. Morgan belongs to that class of men called self-made. He commenced
life with scarcely anything but industrious aud temperate habits, and a strong
will, aided by willing hands, with which he has accumulated a competency.
And he has the supreme satisfaction of kuowing that his success is due to no
fortuitous circumstances, but is the reward of economy and honest toil.
JOHN CLAIBOUIIN ISOM.
Was born in Jackson County, April 18th, 1833, on the farm where he pow
resides. His father, James Isom, was born in North Carolina in 1790.
When quite young, his parents moved to Tennessee. James afterwards went
to Alabama, where he married Martha King, and moved to this State in
1830.
He was in the war of 1812, and was guarding Indians during the battle of
New Orleans. He died at his home, Sept. 23d, 1867. His wife still sur¬
vives him, now at the advanced age of eighty-seven -years.
They were for a time members of the Missionary Baptist Church, Mr.
Isom afterwards becoming a member of the Campbellites, aud his wife of the
United Baptist Church Their son John, enjoyed few advantages when
young, but by steady effort, gained a practical education. He married, Jan.
21st, 1857, Margaret E. daughter of J. II. Johnston. They had six children,
four of whom are living. Mrs. Isom died Oct. 27th, 1869. March 7th, 1871,
he married Susannah C. daughter of Alexander Gordon. They have two
children living. Mrs. Isom is a member of the Christian Church. In early
life Mr. Isom was a Democrat. But in 1861, believing in the principles and
policy promulgated by the Republican party, he joined its ranks, and has
since remained there. He was, during the late war, an avowed union mad
and strong supporter of the administration of Mr. Lincoln. He has been
industrious and txmomical during his life, and has accumulated considerable
property. He has one of the best farms in his township, and is classed as a
successful agriculturalist, a clever gentleman and a respected citizen.
'
.
^£uno\s
The Resioe/vce and off/ce of D?. H . C . HODGES, Sec77T8 Rtf (DeggogniaT p^J/ickson6.Ju.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
87
Capt. HEZEKIAH CLAIBOURN HODGES, M. D.
This gentleman was bom in Jefferson County, Tennessee, nineteen miles
above Knoxville, Oct. 9th, 1802, and was the sixth of a family of eight chil¬
dren, of James and Rachel Hodges. James Hodges had been married' to a
former wife, by whom he had eleven children, being quite a patriarch in his
day, having obeyed the Divine injunction, “Go out into the world and mul¬
tiply.” He was descended from a line of hardy English ancestry, and was a
native of South Carolina. His wife, the mother of Hezekiah, was born in
the same State. She was of Welsh extraction. James Hodges was among
the defenders of our liberties in the Revolutionary contest, and by his hero¬
ism and valor, aided in founding the glorious institutions we now enjoy as
the rich heritage of the precious blood of the noble patriots and yeomanry
who fought in the ever memorable conflict of 76 He was a captain in that
noble army of heroes, and served about six years. His company was attached
to the army under the command of the gallant Gen. Marion, and did good
service for his country on many an ensanguined field. Capt. Hodges and
his whole company were surprised and taken prisoners by Col. Fairman.
The circumstance of the capture was as follows : The company had gone
home to recruit, and while mustering, was captured at a place near where
the celebrated battle of the Cowpens was fought. After two weeks they
were paroled or exchanged, and all subsequently joined Marion's army.
After the war was over and peace declared, he was honorably discharged,
and returned to his home, subsequently emigrated to Tennessee, remained
there until 1808, then moved with his family to the Creek nation, in what
was then known as the Mississippi Territory — that portion occupied by the
Creek nation since formed into the State of Alabama. Mrs. Hodges died in
the year 1828. His death occurred in. Limestone County, in 1837, at the
advanced age of eighty- seven years. Hezekiah Hodges, when a boy, had a
very meagre chance for gaining an education. His elementary culture was
obtained at a neighboring school, kept near where Huntsville now stands, in
the State of Alabama. Attended that school only a short time. He how¬
ever was a very studious boy, and learned considerable by self-culture. He
continued to reside at home with his father, and assisted in carrying on the
farm, uutil the age of twenty-four. He was married November 24, 1827, to
Miss Nancy O’Daniel, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth O’Daniel, who
were natives of Alabama. He still continued to reside on the home-farm.
Having heard wondrous tales of the fertility and grandeur of the country in
the Mississippi Valley, he determined to see and witness for himself, there¬
fore he set out with his family to make the trip to Illinois, landing at Jones¬
boro’, Union Co., Ill., Oct. 15, 1830, and settled seven miles south of Jones¬
boro’, where he engaged in farming. On the breaking out of the Black-Hawk
war iu 1832, he enlisted in Capt. Craig’s company of cavalry, and marched
to Galena, and took part in the battle of the Bad-Ax, which broke the back¬
bone of the Indian forces. The war over, he returned home. Thus it will
be seen that when the outbreak of the Indian difficulties commenced, at the
time of the Black-Hawk war, he was ready to engage in the conflict for the
preservation of peace along the frontier. Although in no serious engage¬
ment,. they stood ready to protect the brave settlers in their homes, and to
save them from the cruelty of their savage foes. Few persons have any ade¬
quate idea of the barbarities committed during those Indian wars. The com¬
plete record of those cruelties has never been published ; but if it were, the
people would scarcely give credit to the tales of blood and misery, too true,
alas, for the peace and quiet of many a home. Though now past the meri¬
dian of life, the Doctor is able to give a distinct and interesting account of
those border wars with the Indians. His memory is remarkably well pre¬
served, and his tales are succinct, and seem more like a manuscript than a
verbal repetition. The Aborigines have passed away. The old soldier re¬
mains to tell us of the past, and remind the present generation how much
they are indebted to those brave men who paved the way for our present
standing as a County and greatness as a State. What a change has trans¬
pired since the arrival of Mr. Hodges, in 1830! The little trading points
have given place to cities, and the Indian trails have been supplanted by
long lines of railways and turnpikes. The fierce alarms are changed into the
peaceful notes of agricultural and mechanical business. The soldier no
longer is needed to protect the farmer, for wars, and rumors of wars, are
heard no more. Such is the present condition of our great State. What
and how much credit is due the noble band of pioneers who, through a long
and vexatious series of droughts, storms, and wars, vindicated their charac¬
ter as upright and God-fearing men !
In the year 1833 Dr. Hodges began the study of medicine, under the in¬
struction of Dr. Brooks, of Jonesboro’. In ’34 he practiced some with Dr.
Brooks ; ’afterwards alone. Continued to live in Union County until 1847,
when he moved to his present residence in Degognia Township, Jackson Co.,
a view of which appears on another page of this work. Here he has since
continued engaged in the practice of his profession, and conducting his farm,
and caring for his flower garden, of which he is very fond. On the breaking
out of the late Rebellion, as soon as he could arrange,.!) is affairs, he enlisted
(Sept. 15, 1862) and was made Capt. of company C, 18th Reg’t. Ill. Vol.,
was mustered in at Springfield, and from there went to Jackson, Tennessee,
and was a part of the command that pursued Forest. Capt. Hodges, at the
age of sixty, found the hard marches and privations incident to camp life too
much for his health and constitution. Was taken sick, ordered to Vicksburg,
but not being able to go, he was left in charge of the hospital at Jackson,
Tennessee. He afterwards brought two hundred and fifty refugees to Cairo,
who had been sick at the hospital at Jackson.
He resigned and was mustered out in the fall of 1863, returned home, and
resumed the practice of his profession. Dr. Hodges and wife have both been
members of the Christian Church for about thirty years. In the year 1848
he was ordained to preach, and preached quite regularly in his neighborhood
until 1863.
Their youngest son, Sebastian S-, was also a member of his father’s com¬
pany. After being out for a time, he was prostrated by sickness, and .sent
to the hospital at Vicksburg. Captain Hodges, believing a change would be
beneficial for his health, removed him home. After he reached home he took
a relapse, and his disease baffled all medical skill. He died iu Oct., 1863.
Thus the doctor sacrificed the life of his beloved son, that the Nation might
live, and that the institutions for which he and his father had fought, might
be handed down to a late posterity, in all their pride and glory.
Dr. Hodges and wife have been blessed with seven children (three of whom
are deceased) one sou and three daughters liviog. Jerome B. Hodges is
married, aud lives on the old homestead farm ; Josephine is the wife of Wil¬
liam H. Murdeu, a resident of this Township; Arretta Bant is the wife of
Dr. McRuark, of Georgetown, Randolph County, Ill. ; Alphenia Stratton is
the wife of Wm. Benefield, living a short distance from the doctor’s resi¬
dence. In politics Capt. Hodges is a Democrat of the old Jefferson and
Jacksonian school. His first vote for President was for Monroe. He voted
three times for Jackson, and believed him to be the greatest and best patriot
of his period. He was personally acquainted with the General, and remem¬
bers many anecdotes told of the old hero. He has voted for every Demo¬
cratic president since, and he has represented his Township as a member of
the Board of Supervisors.
In looking over his long career, we find a man who began life in the pio¬
neer era of our great country. His early boyhood days are associated with
the primeval forests and wildness of Indian life, while his ripe age has wit¬
nessed the development, the progress, and the great achievements of modem
times. He remembers well the time before steamboats were used, or railroads
were iu existence, when the telegraph had not yet been dreamed of ; he has seen
large Cities and great States formed, where formerly ranged only the wild
red man. Through all these eventful changes and material growth, he has
ever maintained that honesty, that integrity, that patriotism and Christianity
that has marked his career through life. His life is in itself a history. The
principal epochs iu the history of the Nation have occurred during his life¬
time: The war of 1812, the many Indian conflicts, the war with Mexico,
and the late overthrow by the strong arm of the Government of the Slave¬
holders’ Rebellion. And now, at the age of seventy-five (his wife seventy-
three) residing at their pleasant home, in the enjoyment of each other’s love,
surrounded by children, grand-children, and great-grand-children, his life is
one that they can fitly imitate. Dr. Hodges is a gentleman of the Old-school;
suave aud affable, kindly disposed towards all, dispenses a liberal hospitality,
and unites within himself, beautifully blended, those Christian graces of hon¬
esty and integrity.
LEVAN TOWNSHIP
HEN township organization was adopted in 1872, to be afterward
discarded for the old system of county government, the Commis¬
sioners gave to this beautiful portion of Jackson County the
name of Levan, in honor of Samuel Levan, one of its most
prosperous and respected citizens, who made it his home as far back as 1836.
Levan is bounded on the north by Ora township, on the east by Somerset, on
the south by Sand Ridge, and on the west by Kinkaid. The soil originally
consisted of timber and “ barrens,” but is now under good cultivation, and
produces wheat and other cereals in large quantifies and of a fine quality.
The wheat product is especially large, and engrosses most of the farmers’
attention.
W. Eaken was the first settler ; the Bysleys came in 1818, also Mark
Bradley, James Hughes, and John Barrow, the three latter being the first to
locate back from the river. Among the early settlers of Levan were Ben¬
jamin Ripley, Hugh McMullen, Stephen Eaken, John Bowers, Matthew
Reynolds’ family, David Sorrels, and Samuel Levan. In 1838 came Thomas
McCluer aud family. These settlers were believers in education, and #c-
cordingly we find they erected a school-house in 1838. It was necessarily a
primitive aflair, built of round logs, rudely chinked and daubed, and roofed
with clap-boards ; but the children that crossed its threshold, were not less
earnest than those of to-day, little minded the coarseness of their surround¬
ings, and addressed themselves with as much alacrity and success to their
tasks as do the most favored youth of the present, who seat themselves for
study in costly buildings in elegant patent seats. This house stood near the
present residence of Hugh McMullen; and the man who is celebrated as the
first teacher of Levan and who wielded the birch in this temple in 1838, was
a Mr. Graham.
In 186-3 was built the General Baptist Church, on Camp Creek, Rev.
Henry Gordon^ preaching the first sermon therein. This was not the first
sermon preached in the township, however, as services had been held more
than twenty years previously, and often since that time. The Pleasant Hill
Church, an engraving of which will be found in another part of this work,
was organized many years before the above, as far back as 1842. The
elders at the time of organization were Robert P. Gentry and Ignatius O.
Daniel. There are at present three churches within the township boundaries
— two of the Baptist denomination and one of the Lutheran. These societies
are well established in the affections of the people, and receive their hearty
support. The township now boasts of four schools, and the school buildings
and furniture are in keeping with the spirit of the age on the subject of
education, and are in marked contrast to the one built in the early times,
and above alluded to. The quality of instruction also has improved as well
as the architecture and style of furniture.
The first saw and grist-mill in this division was successfully operated by
John Bowers, some of whose descendants yet reside in the township. The
township is nearly all capable of cultivation. The land is rolling, well
drained and well watered, and abounds in fine springs. His echoing axe
the settler has swung with good effect, as a glance at the fine farms of this
once heavily timbered region will attest. Coal underlies the township, and
a good quality of building-stone is yielded by the quarries in exhaustless
quantities. Most kinds of fruits thrive, and many fine orchards may be
found. The people of Levan are noted for the possession of all rural vir¬
tues, are generous, hospitable, and contented.
“ Far from the maddening world’s ignoble strife,
Their sober wishes ne’er have learned to stray ;
Along the cool, sequestered vale of life,
They keep the even tenor of their way.”
<$-
— s
— &
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOHN A. McCLUER.
Among the early and well-known settlers of the County appears the name
of John A. McCluer, of Levan township, who is a native of Richland County,
Ohio, and was born near Parris, November 15, 1816. He is the eldest child
of Thomas and Susan McCluer. Thomas McCluer was a native of Virginia,
and his wife of the Keystone State, though when quite young they had both
removed to Ohio with their parents ; and it was in the latter State that they
were married. In 1837, Mr. McCluer, wife, and family moved to Perry
County, Illinois, and a year after settled in Jackson County, on the farm
now owned and occupied by his son, John A. McCluer. Owing to the then
sparsely settled condition of the country in Ohio, John A., when a boy, had
only a limited opportunity for gaining an education ; but being of an indus¬
trious disposition, he has continued to improve every opportunity ; and at
this writing we find him to be a man well versed in the current events of the
day, intelligent and reliable in his judgment. His marriage occurred
on the 22d day of October, 1837, to Clarinda Nase, eldest daughter of
Thomas B. Nase, of Ohio ; and two days after, on the 24th of October, he
started, with his young bride and parents, overland by wagons for Illinois,
their future home. Of the many interesting episodes of that long, and to
them joyous ride, over hill and dale, and wide expanse of prairie, with their
88
young and happy hearts breathing love to one another, few of this genera¬
tion experience the inany pleasures that attended these early pioneers. He
remained about a year in Perry County, then settled down with his father in
Jackson County ; and one thing quite remarkable, never left home or went
to housekeeping until the death of his parents. Theirs ha§ always been a
home of contentment and happiness. They have had a family of twelve
children — six boys and six girls. One of their sons is deceased. • Those that
are married are comfortably settled in life. Their youngest son still resides
permanently 'at home. One son lives in Kansas. The balance of the family
reside in this State.
On the breaking out of the late rebellion, Mr. McCluer and his son
Thomas enlisted, August, 1862, in Company D of the 81st Regiment, Illinois
Volunteers, commanded by Col. Dollins. The many hard marches and ex¬
posure incident to camp life so told on Mr. McCluer’s health that' he was
prostrated by the army plague — chronic diarrhoea. During the first
winter he was very much reduced in health, and incapacitated for the
more active field service. He was mustered out in December, 1864, and re¬
turned to his home. His son remained in the service three years, the full
period of their enlistment.
In early life Mr. McCluer became a supporter and advocate of the Whig
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
89
party, and after its dissolution he joined the Republican party, and voted
and worked for the success of the principles it embodied for many years ;
and, like some others, believing its great mission was accomplished, he then
joined, in 1864, what is known as the Independent movement. After Jack-
son County went under township organization, he was elected Supervisor for
Levan township, and served as such for two years. The last year he was
elected to the honorable position of Chairman of the Board, discharging the
duties with satisfaction to all, and with credit to himself He and his wife
became members of the United Baptist Church about the year 1841 ; and
about two years since he was ordained pastor of the Church at Pleasant
Hills, situated about a mile and a half from his residence. All his children
are members of the Pleasant Hdl Church, except one, who is a member of
another church. Mr. McCluer has raised his children up in the good old-
fashioned way, under the influence of Christianity and honesty; and all are
valuable members of society. He has given them such an education as the
common schools afforded.
In taking a retrospective view of the life and career of our subject, we find
a man who, in all the various trials of life, has exhibited that Christian
spirit, and those traits of honesty that are so characteristic of the early
pioneers. Mr. McCluer is a gentleman well known and highly respected by
all.
SAMUEL LEVAN, Esq.
Among the early settlers of Levan Township few if any are better known
than Samuel Levau, from whom the township derived its name. He was born
in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, on the 6th day of May, 1806, and is the
eleventh of a family of thirteen children, of Jacob and Miry Levan. His
parents were both natives of Berks County, Pennsylvania, but while quite
young, moved with their parents to Somerset County, in the same State,
grew up there, and were married. Jacob Levan died when his son Samuel was
only about seventeen years of age; thus the subject of our memoir was early
thrown on his own resources. He continued to carry on for about four years
the mill that his father had rented, thereby contributing to the support of
his widowed mother, brothers and sisters. On the 25th day of October, 1828,
he was married to Miss Amy Husband, daughter of Isaac Husband, who was
likewise an old resident of Somerset County. In 1838 Mr. Levan and wife
moved to Holmes County, Ohio, and a short time after, to Tuscaroras County,
in the same State, where he worked for over two years and a half in a mill,
and in 1836 he gathered together all his worldly wealth, and with his family
started for Illinois, coming via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, landing at
Grand Tower, on Sunday evening, May 1st, 1836. From Grand Tower they
went to “ Old Brownsville ; ” lived there until March, 1837, when he purchased
the farm on which he now resides, and where most of their children have been
born ; and by constantly adding to his original purchase, he now has a farm
of ov£r two hundred and twenty acres. As the fruits of their union Mr.
Levan and wife have had born to them seven children, four of whom are yet
living. Their youngest son, Henry Harrison Levan, died in the army hos¬
pital at St. Louis, May 16th, 1863, from disease contracted while in the
service of his country. O. J. Levan is married and lives on a farm adjoin¬
ing the old homestead, and F. M. Levan lives in the eastern part of this
township. Mary is the wife of Jacob Graff ; they reside in Ora Town¬
ship. Adaline is the wife of William A. Kelley, and lives in Miller
County, Missouri. Mr. Levan and wife have the pleasure of knowing that
their children are all comfortably settled in life. Over twenty years ago he
and his wife embraced religion, and became members of the Baptist church-
In politics, when a boy, Mr. Levan grew up under the teachings of the Whig
party, and was a great admirer of its able and eloquent exponent, Henry
Clay ; and when that party ceased to exist, he became allied with the Repub¬
lican party, and during the war he was a staunch supporter of the Union
cause, and sacrificed the life of his youngest son on the altar of his country.
When Jackson County went under Township organization (8-3) was then
named “ Levan,” in honor of its early pioneer and well-known citizen,
Samuel Levan, a man whose private character has remained free from
blemish, and who has always been respected as a most worthy citizen.
FREEMAN KING, Esq.
In the spring of 1841, Charles and Mary Ann King, both natives of Som¬
erset County, Pennsylvania, with their infant son Freeman, emigrated to
Jackson County, Illinois, and settled two miles north of Murphysboro’. Mr.
King was engaged in farming until 1843, when he died. Mrs. King subse¬
quently married Mr. Peter Bowlby, and died, November 4th, 1866. Free¬
man King, their son, and only survivor of five children, enjoyed only such
advantages as were to be had in the County; working during the summer on
the farm and attending a subscription school during the winter months, until
he was thirteen years old, when he commenced carrying the U- S. Mail from
Murphysboro’ to Marine and other places, in which he was engaged about
seveu years. He enlisted in Col. Lawler’s Regiment, 18th Illinois Volun¬
teers, May, 1861, and was mustered in at Anna, proceeded to Bird’s Point,
Missouri, thence to Mound City and Cairo, Illinois, thence to the seat of war
via Tennessee River, and was engaged in the battles of Forts Henry and
Donaldson. Pittsburg Landing and Shiloh, through all of which he passed
unhurt. Participated in the siege of Corinth, rendezvoused at Jackson,
Tennessee, and in the following December his company was transferred
to the Mississippi River Ram Fleet. They were engaged in patrolling the
river, and in the sieges of Vicksburg and Arkansas Post, his boat was sunk
running the blockade, and the troops transferred to another. June 7th,
1864, he received an honorable discharge and was mustered out at Spring-
field, Illinois. During the last twelve months of his army life he was ser¬
geant of his company. He served as enrolling officer for Jackson County
until 1865, performing his duties in those perilous times in a most efficient
manner. He was afterwards engaged in farming, and married, April 23d,
1865, Catherine, daughter of John Butcher, Sen., one of the oldest settlers in
the County. Mr. and Mrs. King have had a family of five children, three
boys and two girls, all of whom are living. They are both members of the
Baptist Church. Mr. King has always been a Republican, and cast his first
vote for the immortal Lincoln. He removed to his present residence in Levan
Township, in 1873, and was elected as supervisor. He is highly respected as
an energetic and honest man, a good neighbor, and a worthy and patri >tic
citizen.
HENRY J. FRALEY,
Was born in Rowan County, North Carolina, September 17th, 1824- He
is the fourth of a family of ten children, of Anthony and Amy Fraley.
While Henry was an infant his parents moved to western Tennessee, and
engaged in farming. Residing in that locality until Henry was about fifteen
years of age, they then moved to Jackson County, Illinois, where they
bought some land and made a farm, and continued to live in this County
until their death. Anthony Fraley was fond of the chase, and was quite a
noted deer hunter ; Henry J., had in early life but a limited chance for
getting an education. He continued to reside with his father until the age
of twenty-three, when he married Drucilla Collier : she is a native of this
state. Mr. and Mrs. Fraley have had born to them, a family of five chil¬
dren, one of whom is deceased. Amy is now the wife of Alex. Ripley; they
make their home with Mr. Fraley. Samuel and George are both married,
and living on the home farm. Henry Jefferson Fraley, Jr., is also at home
with his parents. Mr. Fraley, in politics, was raised a Democrat, and still
continues to vote with that party. He, and his wife have been members of
the Baptist Church for about thirty years. When Mr. F. commenced
life he had very little money, and his accumulations since have been the re¬
sult of industry and economy. He now has a sufficient competence for his
declining years. He is well respected in the community where he resides,
and his neighbors say his word is as good as his bond.
KINKAID TOWNSHIP.
FROM FACTS FURNISHED BY CAPT. W. E. TALBOTT.
a HIS lies in the northwestern part of the County, being bounded on
the north by Bradley, on the east by Levan, on the south by Big
Lake, and on the west by Degognia. This township was settled
early in the history of the County. The first settlers located under
the bluffs, before the township was laid off into sections by the governmental
surveyors, or prior to 1808 and after 1806, and consisted of a family named
Taylor. They located on what is now known as section 35, where the farm
and residence of Willis Crane is now situated.
The next permanent settler was Mr. Brillhart, who located, or as the
quaint language of that day was, squatted on section 29. After the death of
Brillhart, which occurred before 1820, certainly, a Peter Woolrick, whose
family comprised three boys and two girls, entered this land according to
law. This was in 1820 or 1821. Shortly after Mr. Woolrick came to a
sudden' death. He was engaged in clearing out a spring then situated where
the bluff now passes, when without a moment’s warning, a tree fell on him
and killed him on the spot. William Boone, the noted ranger captain, and
Parker Grosvener, about this time, settled on section 30, and Adam Wool¬
rick, a son of Peter, located on section 29. The farm of 160 acres is a very
excellent one to day, and is owned by W. P. Wilson. On section 34, Isaac
Glenn built his residence and opened a farm. This was on the east half of
the section, and this farm he sold to Mr. Samuel Cochran, and settled upon
and improved the west half. John Hann made a settlement near the date of
the sectiouization of the townships. These constituted about all that were made
between 1808 and 1822. The country was a wilderness, and immigrants came
in very slowly. It should have been stated that the farm opened by Mr.
Hann is now the property of W. E. Talbott. About the year 1822, settle¬
ment was made on section 22, by Isaac Jarrett, another on section 2, by
Richard Sorrels. N
The first school was taught during the winter of 1826 and 1827, by John
Crane, a man who subsequently rose to distinction in Washington County
to which he removed. He was elected sheriff of the above-named county,
and perforntfed the duties of that high and responsible office so satisfactorily,
that he was chosen to represent his district as State Senator in the halls of
legislation Mr. Crane taught the first school in an out-building on section
33. The first school-house was erected on section 34, and Mr. Crane was
employed to teach the first term.
The first sermon ever preached in Kinkaid was delivered by Rev. Richard
Lee, in about the year 1823. There was no church building in existence at
that date, so the meetings were held in the houses of the settlers, or out in
the groves which were “ God’s first temples.” Many years elapsed after this,
before a house of worship existed. It is said to have been in the year 1838,
when the first house of worship was built. The first religious society organ¬
ized was that of the Free-will Baptists, in the winter of 1838-39. Its organ¬
ization was owing to the efforts of Simon Hiller and William Lindsay.
During the same winter, and but a short time subsequently, another or¬
ganization was effected by the United Baptists, chiefly by the instrumentality of
lio'ert Gentry and James Ferrel, who came from Union County. These
90
churches have done much to increase morality amongst the citizens of this
portion of the county.
Mr. Brillhart’s death was the first that occurred in the township, and this
was followed by that of Peter Woolrick, the manner of whose taking off has
previously been narrated. The next to fall beneath the keen sickle of the
stern reaper, death, was Parker Grosvener.
It is probable that the first marriage was that of William Davis, who
wooed and won a daughter of Peter Woolrick. It would be interesting to
have an account of this wedding, but none survives.
Hiram Corrith is supposed to have been the first child born in the town¬
ship, and this event must have taken place as early as 1816, at which time
the organization of the County was effected.
Those portions of the township which did not border on the Bluff road,
settled but slowly. The whole of the township was heavily timbered, and
the work required to fell the trees, burn the logs and brush and stumps, was
indeed great. The settlers of the earliest days raised Indian corn, and
scarcely attempted any other kind of grain. Glenn and Woolrick were the
first wheat growers. Five acres were thought to constitute a large wheat
field. The wheat was reaped with a sickle, for cradles and reapers were not
dreamed of, and was tramped out by oxen or horses, for the modern thresh¬
ing machine had as yet n6 existence even in the most daring imagination.
The farmer paid toll to his neighbors for their aid in tramping out his grain,
and if he had left 75 bushels for himself, the neighbors would express great
surprise, as to what a man could possibly do with so much wheat. It is said
that a five acre field of golden grain required the aid of all the able-bodied
men in the township to help gather it in.
As late as the period when William Worthen was sheriff of Jackson Coun¬
ty, the scarcity of money was so great, that the currency consisted of coon-
skins, musk-rat skins, furs and peltries. Coon and musk-rat skins passed at
25 cents each. The lack of money, however, in those days, was not considered
a disgrace. Each man saw his “ little lot the lot of all,” and was content.
The deer was so plenty that it was npt an uncommon occurrence for a
sportsman to kill half a dozen in a day’s hunt ; and to catch 15 or 1G coons
in a day, was not unusual. Even at this period of writing, there are a few
deers, while coons, musk-rats and wild turkeys are far from being extermi¬
nated.
The township is gradually but surely filling up, and improvements are go¬
ing on rapidly on all sides. Commodious and substantial farm houses are
being multiplied, and many most excellent farms appear, where less than a
half a century ago the savage roamed at will through forests whose interlac¬
ing branches almost excluded the light of the sun, and where wolves in large
packs ran in search of prey.
The principal products of Kinkaid are wheat, — which is the chief staple —
maize or Indian corn, which comes to great perfection in the rich bottoms,,
oats, hay, and fruits of various kinds. The township is well watered and
drained, and the soil is fertile, being in nature a sandy loam.
mrz.
The Farm and Residence of WILLIS CRAIN 5EC.35 T.8 R. 4-.
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES.
WILLIS CRAIN, Esq.
Among the names prominent in the history of Jackson County, that of
Crain occupies an honorable place. Squire Crain, the father of the subject
of this history, emigrated from Tennessee — of which state he is a native —
to the territory of Illinois, and settled at a place, near where Chester, Ran¬
dolph County, Illinois, now is. At that time the country was infested with
Indians, who, becoming quite troublesome, caused many of the settlers to en¬
list. Among these was Mr. Crain, who enlisted in the regular army as scrub
and ranger. Five arduous years he spent in the service, and was engaged
in the fight, that resulted in the capture of the Fox Indians. Was with
General Rogers Clark at Portage De Sioux, where a treaty of peace was ef¬
fected. At the conclusion of the war, he returned home, and about the
year 1817 married Miss Louisa Mansker, about which time he removed to
Jackson Couuty, and engaged in farming, and died there in 1847 ; his wife
survived until 1855. They had a family of fourteen children, of whom Willis
was the fifth and was born, Jan. 31st, 1827 at the old homestead, where he
still resides, an elegant view of which the reader will find in another part
of this work.
During Mr. Crain’s boyhood, children did not have the advantages of
good schools as they now do, and to get even the rudiments of an education,
required those sterling qualities, a strong will and great perseverance. These,
Mr. Crain possessed, and during his childhood and youth which was spent in
helping his father on the farm, he managed to get a fair English education.
On the 19th <3f May, 1853, he married Miss Mary Grosvenor, daughter of
John and Agnes Grosvenor, one of the old families of this section, Mr.
Grosvenor being a native of Jackson County, his wife was a native of Ten¬
nessee. Mr. and Mrs. Crain had by this union nine children, five of whom
are yet living. Lydia, wife of Daniel Whitson, resides on a farm in Kin¬
caid Township, Halleck, Ida, Albert and Hattie still residing at home, all
of whom have eujoyed the educational facilities, with which Jackson County
is now so well provided, his son Halleck, having also attended for two
terms, the high school at Benton, Franklin County, Illinois. Mr. Crain
commenced life without capital, but by a strict course of honesty and in¬
dustry has acquired considerable property, and has two among the best bot¬
tom farms in the district, which annually produce about twelve hundred
bushels of wheat, besides other grain and stock.
He has never sought or allowed his name to be used for political pur¬
poses, although always manifesting a lively interest in public affairs. His
political views have always been in accord with the Democratic party, whose
principles and nominees he has always supported, from the time of casting
his vote for President Pierce, until the present time, (1877). At the break¬
ing out of the war and during its progress, he belonged to that wing of the
party known as War Democrats, and was an earnest and uncompromising
defender of the cause of the Union. Having the foresight and perception,
he saw and realized that a vigorous prosecution of the war, and the success
of the Union cause, was absolutely necessary to the continued well-being and
prosperity of the entire country. Mr. Crain, is one of those men, who by an
upright, honorable and industrious life has secured the confidence, and re¬
spect of his neighbors and friends, and love and admiration of wife and chil¬
dren, who, when he receives his summons to take that long and last
journey will have the comforting knowlege, that his memory will still sur¬
vive and remain green in the hearts of those who knew him. To his chil¬
dren he will leave that heritage, more precious than silver or gold, a spot¬
less and unsullied name.
PARKER GROSVENOR, Esq.
Is a native of Jackson County, Illinois, aod was born on the farm on
which he now resides, February 13th, 1833, being the oldest child of John
and Agnes Grosvenor His father, John Grosvenor, also a native of Illi¬
nois, was born in that territory in 1811, and was one of the few men who
witnessed the remarkable growth and increasing prosperity of the garden
State. His wife was a native of Tennessee.
His parents emigrated from Vermont and settled in this, what now is
Jackson County. He served for a time as Justice of the Peace, but devoted
his time almost exclusively to farming. He died May 5th, 1847. His widow
who was a Miss Lawrence, still survives him. Mrs. Grosvenor’s father
figured in the Indian wars in the early settlement of the territory. Parker
Grosvenor, the subject of this biography, like most boys of that early day,
had very few opportunities for getting an education, but he improved such as
he had. His perseverance, together with a natural aptitude for study,
enabled him to acquire a good knowledge of the rudiments of an English
education. His early years were spent on the farm, assisting his father, who
died when Parker was quite young. After his father’s death, he continued
to work the farm and support his widowed mother. He married on the 14th
of Mjiy, 1854, when twenty-two years of age, Miss Eliza Jane Herring,
daughter of Jonathan Herring, one of the pioneers who early emigrated
from Virginia to this County. The result of this union was five children,
only two of whom are living, John S- and Albert R., who still remain at
home. On the 23d of Jan., 1863, Mrs. Grosvenor died at her residence,
having lived a pure and useful life. August 30th, 1864, Mr. Grosvenor
married Mrs. Louisa Hiser, a native of Jackson County, by whom he has
had nine children, of whom two are deceased, six boys and one girl still sur¬
viving. He has always been a staunch Democrat, casting his first ballot for
Mr. Buchanan, and is one of the leaders of his party in his township and
portion of the county. Tn the summer of 1862, he enlisted in Company A.
80th Illinois infantry, at Rockwood, Illinois, but failing to pass the required
medical examination, he returned home. He was a strong advocate and suf-
porter of the war for the union, and would have practically carried out his
sentiments had he been permitted. Although Mr. Grosvenor is a prominent
Democrat, and one closely identified with the party in his section, he has not
only never sought office, but has always refused to allow his name to be used
for political purposes. He has rather preferred the life of an agriculturalist,
of which he ranks among the first of his County. His farm consists of about
five hundred acres, of which one hundred and fifty is under a good state of
cultion. From twelve to fourteen hundred bushels of wheat, besides other
grain, is annually raised by him. Mr. Grosvenor is a straightforward, honest
man, who has gained and retains the well-merited confidence and respect of
the community.
WILLIAM E. TALBOTT.
Mr. Talbott is one of those practical men whom we meet once in a life¬
time, who are not easily led astray by glittering show or fiery eloquence.
He reduces every proposition to an axiom, and makes it apply to some of
the essential relations of life. He is firm, and yet reasonable, social, if
not jovial, quick perceptive faculties, and full of solid prose. He was the
son of William R. and Martha Talbott. William R. Talbott was a native
of Virginia. He settled in Smith County, Teneessee, when quite young. He
91
92
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
was a soldier in'the War of 1812, in the volunteers six months, and in the
regular army eighteen months. He fought under General Jackson, at the
Battle of New Orleans, for the freedom we now enjoy. William R. Talbott,
with his wife, in about the year 1820, emigrated from Tennessee to Randolph
County, this State, and settled near Kaskaskia. He brought his family and
all his worldly effects from Tennessee on three pack-horses. The subject of
this sketch was then about two years of age. They resided near Kaskaskia
about two years, then moved to Jackson County ; lived in this County five
years, then removed back to Randolph County, north of Rockwood, and re¬
mained four years, when they again moved to Jackson County and settled
permanently in township 8-4, section 33, where William R. Talbott died,
November 16th, 1847. His wife died April 12th, 1841. The subject of
this sketch was raised on the old home-place. He still owns and farms the
same ; but by his own energy he has added many acres to its former size. He
had but meagre advantages for schooling, the most of his knowledge being
obtained in the experience of life, twelve mouths at school being all he re¬
ceived ; but by his own perseverance he has acquired sufficient education to
transact most any ordinary business ; and we find him well posted in his¬
tory. Mr. Talbott was married January 14th, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth
Crane. To this union they have had born to them twelve children, of whom
there are seven living, viz. : Martha, now wife of William C. McCormick ;
S. A. Amanda, wife of Willis Cross ; Thomas R. ; P. K. ; Sophronia, wife
of Henry Austin ; William R-, the youngest, now living at home. Mr.
Talbott is an unwavering Democrat, and loyal to his convictions of right.
He never scratches a ticket, believing the men nominated on his ticket by
the convention are the men to vote for. Mr. Talbott was a member of the
board of supervisors while the County was under township organization.
He has never aspired for political favors. His recollections revert back to
the time when the skins of animals passed as currency through this County,
and the county tax-collector took them in payment for taxes, and made his
detour through the county gathering up the same, on horseback. He still
lives to enjoy the blessing of a country made productive by the toil and pri¬
vation of those who faced the dangers and overcame the difficulties of a
pioneer life ; and now, in his declining years, he has all the comforts of a
well-spent life, where he and his excellent wife can spend their remaining
days in their beautiful home, a view of which can be seen in this work.
AARON JONES.
To the South can be given the credit of furnishing more of the pioneers of
Jackson County than any other section of the country, and among the worthy
men she sent forth is the name of Aaron Jones, born in Lincoln County^
Tennessee, Oct- 5, 1816, the son of Andrew and Mary Jones, who bad twelve
children. Aaron was the eighth in number in the order of their birth, and
the only one now living. His father and mother were both born in the
State of South Carolina, near Charleston, and after their marriage became
residents of Tennessee, and on the breaking out of the war of 1812 Andrew
Jones enlisted. However, before he became engaged in any active service,
peace was declared. In the year 1824 he removed with his family, by wa¬
gons, from the State of Tennessee to Randolph County, Illinois, and pur¬
chased and settled on a tract of land about three miles from Sparta ; lived
there until 1833, when he purchased and moved on the farm where his son
Aaron now resides. Two of his sons, Moses and Andrew, served in the
Black-Hawk war in 1832. During his lifetime he was a man of consider¬
able prominence ; was County Commissioner for a time, and Justice of the
Peace twenty years In politics a Democrat, and a member of the Associate
Reformed Church, a branch of the Presbyterian denomination. He died at
the old homestead, in Kinkaid Township, November, 1862. A view of the
home place can be seen elsewhere in this work.
About all the educational advantages which Aaron Jones had was while
living in Tennessee ; however he attended school a short time in Randolph
County. He was about sixteen years old when his parents came to Jackson
County. Mr. Jones, when young, was one of those boys who were never
afraid of work, and as the result of his energy and industry he now has a
comfortable competence, and one among the best wheat-growing farms of
Kinkaid Township. On the 22d day of August, 1839, Mr. Jones married
Jane Milligan, the daughter of John Milligan, an old resident of Williamson
County, Illinois. By that union they have been blessed with ten children,
(three deceased) seven still living. In the order of their ages: Sarah, the
wife of Jefferson Mifflin. John is also married, and farming in this Town¬
ship. Margaret is the wife of George Cochraue. The above three are resi¬
dents of Kinkaid Township. Elzira, the wife of Charles Manwarren, of
Randolph County, Ill. ; Mary, the wife of James Moore. Their farm joins
the home place. KimbaH and William are living at home. Mr. Jones and
wife have been fortunate in rearing a large family, all of whom have proved
good, worthy citizens, and are comfortably settled in life. Mr. Jones has been
a life-long Democrat, and is known as one of those men who never scratch his
ticket. He is a fair representative of the early pioneers of the County, being
liberal and kind-hearted. His neighbors say the word of Aaron Jones is as
good as his bond. It must be a pleasing reflection for him to know that he
is respected and esteemed by men who have known him these many years.
He dispenses a liberal and generous hospitality to his friends.
W/LL/AkM P. W/LSON
Among the prominent farmers and successful business men of Kin-
kaid township, appears the name of the gentleman that heads our arti¬
cle. Born on the eastern shore of Maryland, about thirty miles from Elli-
cott’s Mills, January 9th, 1815, the only child of Henry and Naucey Wilson.
Mr. Wilson was descended from a long line of English ancestry, noted for
the purity of their morals and Christian devotion to those sacred principles
that characterized the noble yeomanry of “Old England,” and we are
pleased to say that they have preserved those principles in their pristine
purity, and that the race has lost none of those excellent attributes in the
ever active and progressive life of the “ New World.” Mrs. Wilson, the
mother of Mr. P., is a native of the “ Emerald Isle,” that land of poetry and
song, chivalrous deeds, warm impulses, and generous and noble natures. Mr.
Wilson died when his son William was a small boy. The early advantages
of young Wilson were limited. At the early age of fourteen he set out
to do for himself; went to Winchester, Virginia ; there became an appren¬
tice to learn the saddlers’ trade ; remained there four years, and then went
to Wheeling ; remained therec-a short time, and got employment on one of
the steamers plying on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers ; and operated in that
capacity a number of years. On the 21st August, 1838, h® married Miss
Margarett Maricle, the daughter of Samuel Maricle, of Jefferson county,
Ohio. In the fall of 1839, he removed with his family to Jackson county,
Ill., and purchased a tract of land in Kinkaid township, where he engaged
in farming. Ten years after he sold his place and moved to Muscatine
Mrs. Margaret W/lson
county, Iowa. Not liking the climate, he sold out the following spring and
returned to Jackson county, and purchased the farm where he now resides —
a view of which can be seen on another page of this work.^ His home-farm
comprises upwards of five hundred acres, besides a farm of four hundred
acres on the Mississippi Bottom, a few miles from his residence. Mr. Wilson
ranks among the leading agriculturists of the county. Mr. Wilson and wife
have had a family of thirteen children, ten of whom are now living. Those
living may be mentioned as follows : Mary Ellen, the wife of James Gordon,
of Randolph county; George W., also a resident of Randolph county, living
near Sparta; Nancey Maria, the wife of John Farris, residents of Perry
county, 111. ; Margarett Jane, the wife of A. J. Gordon, also of Randolph
county, Ill. ; Samuel H , resides in the same county ; William Perry; Jr.,
is a farmer in Kinkaid township; Aaron E., Abner M., Sarah Catherine,
and Hiram C., the four latter residing at home with their parents. Those of
their children who have married are well and comfortably situated in life.
In politics Mr. Wilson was originally a Whig ; and on the breaking out of
the late civil war he was among the ardent supporters of the Union cause.
In looking back over the past career of Mr. Wilson we find a man who has
accomplished considerable, besides raising a large and intelligent family of
children. He has contributed largely to the wealth and prosperity of the
locality in which he dwells. He is a fitting example of what industry and
energy can accomplish.
GRAND TOWER TOWNSHIP.
JUDGE M. F. SWORTZCOPE.
T is probable that the first settlement by white persons on the Mis¬
sissippi River, in this part of the State, was made within the
territory now known as Grand Tower Township. This township
lies along the western border of the county, and is washed on the
west throughout its length by the waves of the mighty Mississippi. The
scenery is justly considered magnificent, and attracts many tourists, while
the region is cousidered by the geologists as the most interesting of any to be
found in the State.
To attempt to describe it for the benefit of the citizens of Jackson County
would be the very height of absurdity. Word-painting would fail to convey
any adequate conception of the beauty -and grandeur "that make this the
most attractive part of our County and State. The bold, precipitous cliffs,
the forest-clad slopes, the views of the mighty stream, must be seen to be ap¬
preciated.
The indications are unmistakable that the ancient bed of the river was
east of its present. The “ Devil’s Oven ” and the “ Devil’s Back-bone,”
which constitute one of the remarkable features of this remarkable locality,
then formed the western, as they now form a portion of the eastern shore.
Grand Tower was a landing-place for flat-boats as early as 1800. Colonel
James Gill, family and slaves settled at the “Devil’s Oven” in the year
1806. He was a South Carolinian, born in 1781. When he first arrived in
Illinois, he settled in Randolph County, and in 1805, was married to Janette,
daughter of Alexander Gaston, Sr. William Gaston, his wife’s brother,
settled north of him. Gaston was a noted lawyer.
Colonel Gill had the first cooking stove ever brought into the county. It
was an object of great surprise and curiosity to the settlers, and many were
the excuses made to visit Colonel Gill’s house that they might get a sight of
this wonderful thing.
Benjamin Walker, a native of Tennessee, an industrious and useful man,
with his large family, settled at the lower end of the Back-bone. He sold
out to Jadge Samuel Cochran. Nathan Walker, his son, was a volunteer
in the Black Hawk war.
These are among the oldest settlers of the township. There are hundreds
of acres of very rich bottom land, which produces Indian corn in immense
quantities.
In this township are the great iron industries of Jackson County, which,
though now in greatly depressed condition, are destined in the near future
to far surpass the past.
Thomas Jenkins, a native of South Carolina, moved from Big Hill Town¬
ship to the present site of Grand Tower, in the year 1826, and for twelve
years kept a large wood-yard on the bank of the Mississippi.
These important factSj gathered from American State papers, records, &c.,
surveys and notes of the location and subdivision of Government lands, afford
the earliest authentic and most important historical data of this locality ; and
a brief reference to the system of land surveys adopted and prescribed by
the American Congress, is deemed important to a correct perception of the
facts and dates which follow in this connection.
The initial point of a line known as the third principal meridian is lo¬
cated on the north bank of the Ohio, at or near the mouth of Cache River,
and thence produced on the true meridian northward across the state. From
this meridian at a point now four miles south of Centralia, a line was pro¬
duced at right angles extending east to the Wabash, and west to the Missis¬
sippi, which is known as the base line. From this intersection townships
were extended, and numbered successively south and north, which were
divided by parallels of longitude called range lines, and numbered succes¬
sively east and west. The first townships were designated respectively :
Townships 1 south, range 1 west ; 1 south, 1 east ; 1 north, 1 west ; 1 north,
1 east. Thus Grand Tower is township 10 south of the base line, range 4
west of the third principal meridian. The eastern boundaries of townships
seven and eight, range one west, were run south by William Rector in
March, A. D., 1806, and section and half section corners established and
perpetuated by cutting figures and letters on the nearest trees, noting the
kind of timber, diameter of the tree, with the course and distance from the
corners. The eastern 'boundaries of townships nine and ten south, range one
west, were run south in Dec., 1806, by William Conner, and corners es¬
tablished at each half mile, as above stated, along the east line of Jackson
County. These several points thus established determine the location of the
third principal meridian in Jackson County. However straight this meri¬
dian was originally run, the surveyor who now produces lines from station
to station where the marked trees can be found, will find many deviations
from the tangent. All the township and range lines in the county, except
those hereinafter stated, were established in 1806, by William and Elias
Rector. William Rector was Deputy United States Surveyor, and had a
contract with the Surveyor General for work in territory now embraced in
this and several adjoining counties. At that date the United States Govern¬
ment owned the land, and exercised authority only to the eastern bank of
the Mississippi River, and the purchase of the Louisiana Territory not
having been made until 1808, that portion of range line below three and
four in town eleven south, on Island No. 18, was not surveyed until after
the cession, and is included with subdivisions of said Island in book 1723 of
Missouri Surveys.
The several townships in this county were sub-divided into sections as
follows :
Towns 7 and 8, Range 1 West, June, 1807, by Wm. Conner.
“ 9 “
1
ii
May, 1807,
<»
“ 10 “
1
H
March, 1807,
( i
“ 7, 8 and 9, “
2
a
No A . 1809, by Arthur Henriecs.
“ 10 “
2
t<
Oct., 1809,
a
« j «
3
u
June,. 1810, by John M. Moore.
“8 “
3
u
Feb., 1810,
“ 9 “
3
u
Jan., 1810,
a
“ 10
3
it
Nov., 1810,
John M. Moore.
“ 11
3
a
May, 1810,
William Rector.
“ .7 and 8, “
4
u
Jan., 1810,
Nelson Rector
“ 9, 10 and 11, “
4
»<
Dec., 1810,
Jno. M. Moore,
it J «
5
a
Feb., 1810,
Elias Bancroft.
“ 8 “
5
a
Jan., 1810,
(<
“ 9 “
5
a
Jan., 1810,
Jno. M. Moore.
The town of Grand Tower was surveyed and platted by M. F. Swortz-
cope for Thomas W. Jenkins on part of section 25, town 10 south, range 4
west, May 10th, in the year 1867.
It seems proper here to mention the Grand Tower Mining, Manufacturing
and Transportation Company, the wealthiest and most influential corpora¬
tion that has ever operated in the county. The coal operations of this Com¬
pany will be found treated of in the chapter on “ Mineral Products.” The
capital invested in coal and iron works, including the whole stock of the
93
94
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
Company, railroad and other sorts, is about $5,000,000. Since 1868 this
Company has supplied all the coal used by the Carondelet furnaces in their
smelting. The coal operations extend back to 1866. Two blast furnaces,
known as the two upper furnaces in Grand Tower, belong to this Company,
and were built in the year 1868, having been since then the scene of much
successful working with the cheapest and most useful of metals. At the
Centennial World’s Fair, at Philadelphia, in 1876, specimens of pig iron
from these furnaces were awarded the first premium, and the Superintendent,
Mr. T. M. Williamson, at Grand Tower, holds the medal so awarded.
Most of the iron ore used by these furnaces, as well as by the lower furnace,
built in 1870 by Sheikle, Harris & Co., of St. Louis, and afterward sold to
Wm. J. Lewis, of St. Louis, comes from Iron Mountain, Missouri. It is
brought down from St. Louis in barges, towed by steamers owned by the
afore-mentioned G. T. M. M. & T. Co.
Grand Tower is the western terminus of the Grand Tower and Carbondale
Railroad, which extends to Carbondale on the line of the Illinois Central
Railroad. This road is 25 miles long, and the cost of equipment averages
$7,636 per mile, making a total cost of equipment of $190,900. More than
700 men are in the employ of this company at its various points of opera¬
tion ; and in the thirteen years of its operation only one monthly pay-day
has passed without bringing with it a prompt settlement of wages with
employees.
The lower furnace referred to above has a capital of about $500,000, and
employs laborers in sufficient numbers for the proper working of a large
blast-furnace.
Grand Tower was formerly known by the river-men as Evans’ Landing,
where the boats stopped on the way up or down, and took on wood or an
ocoasional passenger now and then. The name Evans’ Landing was applied
from its being the home of old Mr. Evans, father of Marshall A. Evans, yet
a resident of the town.
The schools in Grand Tower are above the average for small towns. A
colored school has been established, and employs two teachers. The first
ward school is presided over by Mr. A. C. Courtney, and that of the second
ward by Mr. Samuel E. Harwood, both gentlemen of acknowledged ability,
and standing high in their profession.
Formerly the population of Grand Tower exceeded 2,000 ; but at present
it will scarcely reach 1,200, by reason of the decline in the iron industries
attendant upon the great panic.
A newspaper is published in the town by J. P. Stockton, edited by Judge
M. F. Swortzcope, formerly County Judge and Mayor of Murphysboro’ . It
is a four-page 24-column journal, called the “ Grand Tower Item,” and re¬
ceives a liberal support from the people, if we may judge from the appear¬
ance of its advertising columns. The Post-office is kept by John Dillinger,
in connection with his store, on Front Street. John Devine, the County
Coroner, lives at Grand Tower, and from thence attends to all who need his
assistance.
The town is plentifully furnished with all the stores and business-houses
necessary for the comfort and convenience of her people. The commercial
importance of Grand Tower is great, being the place where all the inland
freight for Jackson County from the East and South, by way of the Ohio
and Mississippi Rivers, is landed, to be carried by the G. T. & C. R. R. to
the towns farther in ; also much of the freight from St. Louis, until the river
is closed in winter, comes this way. This town is destined to become at no
far-distant day one of the important business centres of Southern Illinois.
Its facilities are great, consisting of the G. T. & C. R. R. and the Mississippi
River; the abundance of the finest sandstone and limestone, and great
quantities of timber suitable for building purposes, together with the agricul¬
tural resources of the country surrounding, and the great coal supply at Mt.
Carbon, almost within a stone’ s-throw : these combined, will draw thither
business of all sorts, as it has drawn the workers of iron. Only a short time
since Grand Tower was selected by the Commissioners as a site for the pro¬
posed Southern Illinois Penitentiary ; but owing to some objections by the
Governor, the location was changed to Chester, in Randolph. County.
The river at this point is three-fourths of a mile wide, and near the Mis¬
souri shore is located the Grand Tower Rock, from which the town takes its
name. As the water rushes past this monster pillar of stone, a most dan¬
gerous whirlpool is formed on the lower sides, wherein it is said many lives
have been lost, not knowing of the danger until it was too late. The land¬
ing-place at Grand Tower is greatly exposed at times to the breaking-up of
the ice jn the spring, and this tower-rock forms a giant protector for the
boats anchored here in the winter, as they are obliged to tie up wherever
they are caught by the ice.
Father Marquette, in his first passage down the great river, marked the
grandeur of the stone tower in the middle of the river. About the year 1680
Robert De La Salle noted the stately grandeur of the “ Grand Tower,”
which has for centuries withstood the angry torrents, and still holds its place.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JUDGE MICHAEL F. SWORTZCOPE
Is a native of Franklin County, Pennsylvania; was born April 3d, 1820.
He is the eighth and youngest child of Joseph and Catherine (A. Broix-
dame) Swortzcope. Joseph Swortzcope was a native of Bohemia, his
wife, of Cologne, where they were married and resided, and where five
of their children were born. In 1814, they undertook the then perilous and
uncomfortable voyage to the New World, in a sailing vessel, and where
they arrived in safety, after a protracted journey of five months, land¬
ing at Annapolis, Maryland, in March, 1815. Some years subsequently, they
moved to Franklin County, Pennsylvania, where they lived only a short
time, removing from thence to Bedford County, Pennsylvania, w'here they
remained until 1835. In that year, they determined upon coming west,
which they did, arriving some time after, at St. Louis, when, after a short stay
they again took up their line of march, this time locating at a place in St.
Charles County, Missouri, where Cottleville now stands. Here they resided
peacefully and quietly, until they took that last and great journey to the
mysterious world. Michael, like most boys raised in the west in those days,
had to rely greatly upon himself and his native ability, in acquiring the
ground-work of an education. As for schools, there were few or none in the
country districts. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, Judge Swortzcope,
by diligent and persistent effort, acquired the rudiments of a thorough Eng¬
lish education, early developing a strong predilection for mathematics, in
which he acquired a considerable degree of proficiency. He commenced life
on his own responsibility as a cooper, learning and working at it first in
Marine, Madison County, Illinois, and subsequently in Ohio, Indiana and
Missouri. In December, 1842, Judge Swortzcope married Miss Zerelda
Harmon, of Chester, Randolph County, Illinois. They had six children,
four of whom are now living, their eldest daughter, Susan E., wife of A.
J. Riseling, now residing at Grand Tower. Albert R. married and settled
at Campbell Hill. Emma D., wife of Gilbert J. Burr, editor Era, Murphys¬
boro’, Illinois. Mr. Swortzcope appreciating the advantages of early train¬
ing, gave his children the benefit of such as Jackson County afforded. Mrs.
Swortzcope died at her house in Murphysboro’, Oct. 1853.
Politically, Judge Swortzcope was known as a Democrat, and early in life
became identified with its interests in southern Illinois. In the fall of 1853, he
was elected Associate Justice of the County, which office he held until 1857,
when he was elected County Surveyor, and was re-elected in 1859.
At the breaking out of the rebellion, he was an anti war Democrat, but
shortly realizing that nothing but a vigorous and successful prosecution of
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
95
the war, would settle at once and for ever, the questions that were distracting
the country, he enlisted August, 1861, in John A. Logan’s regiment, 31st
Illinois infantry, as (he happily terms it) a high private in the front rank,
being 6 feet inches high. He was mustered in the following September,
at Cairo. The regiment immediately commenced active operations in the
field, participating in the battle of Fort Donaldson, where Mr. Swortzcope
was, for meritorious services, promoted 1st Lieutenant and quartermaster of
said regiment. He was with the regiment in a number of engagements, and
was one of that gallant army that marched with “ Sherman to the sea.” He
was mustered ojut of the service at Goldsboro’, North Carolina, April 8th,
1865, receiving an honorable discharge. In the following November, he was
elected County Judge, having, in the mean time, changed his political opin¬
ions, becoming an adherent of the Republican party. Since the expiration
of his term of office he has resided in Grand Tower.
His duties a9 an officer of the public, he always discharged with signal
ability, honor and integrity.
His religious convictions are guided more by the light of science and phi¬
losophy, than by the teaching of the clergy.
Judge Swortzcope is a man of striking physique, and had he in youth, the
opportunities that the humblest child now enjoys, he would have been a giant
intellectualfy as well as physically. But as it is, his acquirements are of no
mean order. He is a large-headed and large-hearted gentleman, one whom
men rejoice to know and call friend. To the biographer and historian of
this work, the Judge has rendered valuable assistance, with his thorough
knowledge of the incidents and facts connected with the early growth and
development of Jackson County.
In conclusion, let us add, that while Judge Swortzcope possesses all of the
qualities and attributes that make a man distinguished, it is, we think, owing
as much to his remarkable powers of delineation and story-telling, that he
attracts the attention and gains the affection of all.
FRANK BARONOWSKY.
England is always termed the Mother Country, and perhaps rightly, and
it is a relationship, notwithstanding the tyranny of the mother to the child,
of which ail Americans may be proud. And while we are proud of our noble
lineage, we should be additionally proud of the strong bond of friendship
that exists between Germany and our country. German brains and muscle,
German manhood and virtue, have been a power, second to none, in devel¬
oping and building up this grand structure of American Liberty, conse¬
quently a history or biography, compiled in any part of the country, would
be incomplete without prominent mention of our cousins German.
Frank Laronowsky is a native of Westphalia, Germany, where he was
born May Oth, 1837. He is the youngest of a family of six children, three
boy ! and three girls, of Frederick and Theresa Baronowsky. Young Frank
received his -early training and education in the schools of Westphalia, ac¬
quiring a g od general education. When twenty years of age, a strong de¬
sire to see end examine for himself the famed and wondrous land which, from
report, acknowledged no sovereign but the will of the people, culminated in
a determination to embark for America, arriving in New York in 1857.
From there he went to Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Penna., where he re¬
mained about eighteen months, at the expiration of which time he left and
came to Kaskaskia, Ill. From Kaskaskia he went to Prairie Du Rocher,
where he became clerk in a store, and attended to other business connected
with the same. From this place he went to St. Louis, which was his home
for a number of years. In 1861, seeing the troubles then agitating the
country were about. to terminate in war, he determined to lend all of his aid
to the protection of his adopted country. He enlisted shortly after in the
3d Reg’t. Missouri Vols., under the command of Gen. Siegel. The regiment
immediately proceeded to active duty, and was engaged in the battles of Car¬
thage and Wilson’s Creek. Mr. Baronowsky, at this time, was Orderly Ser¬
geant of Comp’y K — a company formed partially by enlistment and men
taken from Comp’y C, of the same regiment." After the battle of Wilson’s
Creek they took up their march and joined the Union forces near Pea Ridge
Ark., going from there to Helena, and having occ|^ional skirmishes by the
way. In consequence of the malarious condition of the climate, he contracted
an illness which speedily threatened to prove serious, when he received a fur¬
lough and returned to St. Louis. On the recommendation of Dr. Hodges
as to his unfitness for further active service, he received an honorable dis¬
charge. After recuperating his health, he was engaged for a time as clerk
and pilot on a tow-boat, which he continued until 1868, when he became a
resident of Grand Tower, and where he now is proprietor of the Tremont
House, one of the best conducted hotels in Southern Illinois. He was mar¬
ried Sept. 28th, 1869, to Miss Mary Miller, of Quincy, Ill., who was born in
St. Louis' One son, Freddie, was born unto them, who died in infancy.
Mr. Baronowsky is a member of Lafayette LodgerNo. 67, A. F. & A. M.
of Grand Tower and Royal Arch Chapter No. 75, of Carbondale. In poli¬
tics he has always been identified with the Republican party, and has suc¬
cessively held the positions of Trustee, Councilman, and Mayor of Grand
Tower, which later position he now occupies. In the fall of 1877, he was the
Republican nominee for County Commissioner. Mr. Baronowsky is not one
of the oldest settlers, but he has by his energy and integrity, secured a pro¬
minent and influential place in the councils of his party. Another example
what man can do by his own unaided efforts to secure a competency and the
respect of his fellow-citizens.
Lieutenant GEORGE WOLF.
Among the most successful farmers in the vicinity of Grand Tower, may
be named Lieutenant George Wolf. He is naturally social and generous.
He is respected by those who know him, because he lives an honorable life.
His paternal ancestry were German ; his father emigrating from Baden,
Germany, to Pennsylvania, when quite small, where the subject of our sketch
was born (Wayne County), and grew to manhood. In the year 1867 he
turned his face westward, and stopping at Mount Carbon, he was engaged in
the service of the Grand Tower Mining, Manufacturing and Transportation
Company. After his engagement with this Company terminated, he began
the life of a farmer, in this County, and has since followed that occupation.
He was married Jan. 15, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth Crowther, the daughter of
J. T. and Mary Crowther. She was also a native of Wayne County, Penn¬
sylvania. They have had born to them four children (three boys and one
girl), Miss Nellie G., the eldest, 'Charles G., Horace C., and George. Mr.
Wolf enlisted in the late war, Aug., 1862, in Company L, 13th Penna Cav¬
alry, under Col. Michael Kerwen and Capt. O’Shea. He participated in
many hard-fought battles. Among the most notable engagements, we will
mention Fisher’s Hill, Winchester, Culpepper, Sulphur Springs, Bristoe Sta¬
tion, Spottsyl vania, Parris Church (or, Haws’ Shop), Bottom Ridge, Gaines’
Mills, Travilion Station, White-house Landing, St. Mary’s Church, Deep
Bottom, Black Water (or, Lee’s Mills), Malvern Hill, Vaughn Road, Stony
Creek, Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher’s Run, Siege of Petersburg, lort
Fisher, and capture of Rola, and surrender of Gen. Johnson. Our subject
bears the marks of two wounds he received in the defense of his country, in
a cavalry charge at the battle of Fisher’s Hill, in a hand-to-hand contest, he
received a sabre cut in the head. At Hatcher’s Run he was shot through
the thigh. These were dark days. The terrible burden of the war bore
heavily upon us. There were many absent in the strife. Many anxious
hearts were left beating. Some wore the weeds of mourning for those who
would never return. But afterward came the joy of victory and peace. Mr.
Wolf enlisted as a private, but was afterward promoted to Lieutenant of his
company, and held that position until he was discharged, at the close of the
war in Rola, North Carolina, July 15, 1865. He was mustered out of ser¬
vice at Philadelphia, July 28, of the same year. . Religiously, he is a member
of the Methodist Church. In politics he was always a Republican, but has
sought no political preferment, choosing rather to devote his time, talents and
energy, to the practical business of farming, for which he considers himself
better qualified than participating in the feverish unhealthfulness of official
strife. Mr. Wolf has recently become the purchaser of a fine farm close to
the vicinity of Grand Tower, and some little distance from his present resi¬
dence, overlooking the town and beautiful river-scenery surrounding it. It
is the intention of Mr. Wolf, at no distant day, to build a substantial resi¬
dence upon his new purchase.
Lieutenant WASHINGTON L. HARRIS
Was born in Overton County, Tennessee, August 10th, 1844. He was the
youngest of a family of six children, of J. W. and Lucy Harris, both of whom
died during the childhood of their son Washington.
In this day of good schools of every class and grade, it is hard to realize
that thirty or forty years ago it was almost an impossibility to gain even the
96
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
rudiments of an education, but such was the case. Young Harris, in addi¬
tion to the misfortune of being thus situated, sustained the incalculable loss
of his parents at an early age, and was thrown completely on his resources.
J. W. Harris was County Clerk of Overton County, Kentucky, for a
period of fourteen years, and was also engaged in merchandizing. Lieuten¬
ant Harris came to Illinois at the early age of thirteen years, and at first
made his home at Springfield. At the commencement of the war he enlisted
in company A, 8th Illinois Infantry, under Col. Richard J. Oglesby, and was
mustered in at Camp Butler. The regiment was immediately ordered to
Cairo, and was the first to occupy that city, and the first Illinois regiment to
enter into active duty. Company A was in a short time ordered to the Big
Muddy Bridge, this County, and remained there ten days guarding the bridge
against the turbulent and insurrectionary elements of Williamson County,
after which they rejoined the regiment and remained during three months,
when they were mustered out. Mr. Harris then returned to his home and
remained during a period of ten months; but his life appeared to him inac¬
tive and useless, when compared with that of the brave men who were fight¬
ing for the preservation’of their country. He re-enlisted and helped to raise
the 116th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, and was elected 2d Lieutenant of
company A, under Col. N. W. Tupper. He participated in the campaign of
Chickasaw Bayou, and Vicksburg, where the Union army under Gen. Sher¬
man was defeated. From Vicksburg they were ordered to Arkansas Post,
and after a severe engagement defeated the enemy under Gen. Churchill, and
captured 11,000 prisoners. They then proceeded to Young’s Point opposite
Vicksburg, and commenced work on what is now well-known as Grant’s ca¬
nal, continuing the work until the U. S. gun-boats effected a passage aud got
below the rebel batteries. They then succeeded in crossing the river at Hard
Times Landing, preparatory to the siege and capture of Vicksburg. Owing
to the miasmatic condition of the climate, and constant exposure thereto,
Lieutenant Harris contracted ill-health and was compelled to resign, receiv¬
ing an honorable discharge.
After a sojourn of three months at home, he took a trip to California via
New York and the Isthmus ; was on board the Golden Rule when wrecked,
May 22d, 1865, at Ranhardse Key, West Indies. The passengers were re¬
lieved by the U. S. Gun-boat Georgia and Propeller Huntsville, after a stay
of fourteen days of terrible suffering on the Island. On his return home he
was married, May 12th, 1868, to Mrs. Frances C. Henson, of Jackson Coun¬
ty, Illinois ; Lieutenant Harris having settled here the previous year. They
have been blessed with one child, Laura- Since residing in the County he
has been engaged in farming, and has now one of the best farms in the Coun¬
ty, a view of which may be seen in another part of this work. Mrs. Harris
died April 15th, 1876. She was a member of the M. E. Church.
Mr. Harris is a Democrat, but not a politician, preferring the peaceful and
profitable life of an agriculturist, to that of the stormy and oftentimes unsat¬
isfactory one of a public man.
THOMAS W. JENKINS
Is a native of Jackson County, Illinois, and the only child of Herod Marshall
Jenkins and Eliza E. (Whitson) Jenkins — was born July 21st, 1835, at
Grand Tower. His father was also a native of Illinois — the Jenkins family,
however, originally coming from South Carolina. The grandfather of the
subject of our sketch, “ Thomas Jenkins,” participated in the battle of New
Orleans under Jackson, and suffered all the privations that the troops of
that early day, in a comparative wilderness, were called upon to endure.
He received his reward, however, in witnessing the triumph of Ameri¬
can arms, the death of the English Commander, General Packenham, and
burial, forever, of English domination over American liberty. He subse¬
quently moved to Illinois, where he lived to the rare old age of 93 years.
Herod Jenkins and Eliza Whitson were married in this County. Mr. Jenkins
was a man of considerable enterprise, and was engaged in merchandizing,
farming, and also kept a wood-yard, from which he supplied thcfee (what
have been correctly called,) floating palaces which navigated the great Father
of waters. He served a considerable time as Justice of the Peace and Post¬
master. In politics he was a whig. Both he and his wife were consistent
members of the Baptist denomination. He died on the 28th of January, A.
D., 1847. His wife subsequently married James Evans, who died a number
of years since. Mrs. Evans is still living, consoled in some degree by the
knowledge of having lived a well-spent and useful life, and giving to her
country an honest and honorable son. Thomas W- Jenkins received his
early education in the common schools of Grand Tower. He was diligent,
improved his time, and acquired an education sufficient for all practical and
business purposes. His first attempt at engaging in business on his own re¬
sponsibility, was in farming, at which he met with reasonable success. He
was also for a time engaged in merchandizing, and is now engaged in farm¬
ing and milling. He was married on the 26th of July, 1855, to Miss Eliza
J., daughter of Thomas and Sarah Robinson, of Perry County, Missouri. As
the fruits of that union they have had a family of nine children, four of
whom are dead, five yet residing with their parents. Mr. Jenkins has en¬
deavored to give his children the benefit of such an education as can be ob¬
tained in the County. In politios he is not identified as a partisan, but rather
as a conservative, supporting men whom he deems the most capable of filling
office acceptably to the people. He was a member of the first Common Coun¬
cil of the city, and as a historical reminiscence, we might mention the fact,
that he laid out and sold the first town lot in Gx-and Tower, which was sur¬
veyed by Judge Swortzcope. In religious opinions he tends towards Univer-
salism. Mr. Jenkins finds his highest enjoyment with his family, aud in the
entertainment of his friends; he is regarded as a man of sterling worth by his
fellow-citizens, and the Jenkins name deserves promiment mention in the
early trials and triumphs of the pioneei-s of Jackson County. The surviving
children, in the order of their ages, are Herod M., Sarah S., James Albert,
Elizabeth M., and Octavia, the youngest.
JOHN DILLINGER, Esq.
Is a native of Jackson County, Illinois, and was born February 8th,
1835. He is the youngest child of a family of six children of Henry
and Margaret Dillinger, both of whom were natives of the south, — Mr. Dil-
linger of North Carolina, and his wife of South Cai-olina. They emigrated
to Jackson County in 1815, where they continued to reside until their death.
Mrs. Dillinger died in 1841. Her husband survived her a number of years,
and died in 1857. John Dillinger passed his childhood, and received his
early culture in this County. Attending the common schools, and employ¬
ing his time profitably, he acquired a fair English education. His infancy
and youth were passed on a farm, where he continued to i*eside contentedly
tilling the soil, until the breaking out of the rebellion. Sept. 4th, 1861, he
enlisted in Company G, 31st Regiment Illinois volunteers, of which company
he was elected corporal. The regiment was under command of John A.
Logan. He was mustered in at Cairo and immediately sent to the front,
and was engaged in the battle of Belmont, Missouri, and shortly after that at
Fort Henry, which after a severe engagement was captured by the Union
forces. Fort Donaldson was also besieged and captured. From there his
command went to Corinth, then countermai-ched to Jackson, Tennessee.
From here they made a raid through Oxford, Mississippi, thence back to
Memphis, Tennessee, shortly after going to Milliken’s Bend, from there
to Grand Gulf, where they crossed the river and fought the enemy at
Thompson’s Hill, and two days later were in another engagement, after
which they met the enemy at Raymond, and participated in the battle of
Jackson, Mississippi, thence back to Champion Hill, where they routed
the enemy, and marched to Vicksburg, where they lay three days. On
May 22d, 1863, Mr. Dillinger was severely wounded in a bayonet charge,
from the effects of which he lost his left arm. The wound was caused by
the explosion of a shell that killed and wounded thixteen. He received his
discharge at St. Louis, Aug. 12th, 1863. He married, June, 1866, Mrs.
Martha Ann Brewster, by which union they have had one son. Mr. D.
was engaged in merchandizing at Carbondale, but in 1869, removed to
Grand Tower. In Oct., 1875, he was commissioned Postmaster, a position
he still retains. In early life Mr. Dillinger was a Democrat, but latterly is
a Republican, of which party he is an active and influential member.
FRANK A. BROADER
Was born near Frankfort on the Main, February 18th, 1834. He is
the fourth child of a family of children of Nicholas and Elizabeth
Broader. He received *his early training and rudimentary education in
the schools of his native city, and is a good German scholar. When fifteen
years of age, he became an apprentice to the carpenter’s trade, and at twenty
bid farewell to home and kindred, and embarked for the land that has
proven itself a very El Dorado to thousands of liberty-loving and liberty-
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, , ILLINOIS.
97
seeking men and women. He landed in New York in 1854, and left imme¬
diately for Detroit, Michigan, where he resumed his business as carpenter
and where he resided until 1859, in which year he came to Murphysboro’,
Illinois, still continuing his trade. September 3d, 1861, he enlisted in
Company G. 2d Illinois cavalry, was mustered into service at Carbondale,
and soon after went with his regiment to Paducah, Kentucky. During the
winter of that year, he was actively engaged in the battles of Holly Springs,
Mississippi and Red River, Arkansas, and besides a number of skirmishes in
the march from Red River to New Orleans, and from thence to Baton Rouge,
where, in Sept^l864, he received an honorable discharge, after having faith¬
fully served his country without intermission, for three years. In October of
the same year, he returned to this County. In Oct. 1864, he married Miss
Theresa Butz, daughter of Martin Butz, one of the early residents of the
County. By this union they have had nine children, five of whom are still
living. In the fall of 1864 Mr. Broader became engaged in farming, and in
1866, purchased and moved to the place where he now resides. He subse¬
quently added quite largely to his original purchase, until his farm at present
comprises 240 acres, with a good prospect of still greater increase in acreage,
if the same energy characterizes his future life, that has his past. Mr.
Broader is a living example of the good results attending a strict observance
of the principles of industry, perseverance and economy, and has now the
satisfaction of beiog able to lead a life of ease and comfort, and ranking as
one of the foremost agriculturists of Jackson County. Mr. and Mrs.
Broader are both communicants of the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. B. early became identified with the Republican party, and has always
been an earnest supporter of its principles and policy. Although never an
aspirant for political distinction, preferring rather, to rank as one of the first
in his profession.
Mr. Broader can hardly be considered as one of the early settlers of this
County, but by his honorable and straight-forward conduct, has gained the
confidence and respect of the entire community.
BERRY B. WHITSON.
It sounds very like the marvellous when hearing old settlers relating their
experiences, and telling us what a wilderness this populous State was only fifty
or sixty years ago. There are two reasons why this is so. One is, that history
furnishes no parallel in which an almost limitless territory has been reclaimed
from a race of savages, and populated in such an incredibly short space of
time by a race that have verily made
“ The desert to blossom as the rose.”
The second reason is, the extreme rarity of finding persons now living who
resided here at that time and who have personally witnessed the great
changes wrought in so short a time. Among the few who have witnessed
these changes, and assisted in making them, is Berry B. Whitson. Mr. Whit¬
son was born in Jackson County, Illinois, at a place within two miles from
where he now resides, February 4th, 1816. He is the third child of a family
of eleven children of Thomas and Sophia Whitson, who were both natives of
Berk County, North Carolina,, where they were married and emigrated from,
after the birth of their first child, to the territory of Illinois, arriving there
in 1811, settling at a place now called Crab Orchard, near the present site
of Murphysboro’.
They remained only a short time, and left for Louisiana Territory, locating
near Mine L. Motte, in what is now St. Francois County, Missouri. In
1815 they returned to Crab Orchard, in this State, and located finally at
Bighill, where they resided until their deaths. Thomas Whitson partici¬
pated in the War of 1812, and was at the surrender and treaty with the Fox
Indians, at Portage de’ Sioux. His son Berry had in early life no oppor-'
tuuities for gaining an education, but by dint of application and hard study,
acquired the rudiments of an English education. When a boy he was ex¬
cessively fond of field-sports, and in those days, when game of all sorts was
quite plenty, and having all the opportunities, became quite a Nimrod. In
1836 he married Miss Eulila Gaston, daughter of William Gaston. They
have had a family of nine children, four only of whom are living. Those liv¬
ing, in the order of their ages, are Joseph D. Whitson, who is married and
settled on a part of the old homestead ; Laurena, widow of Daniel Wortheu,
who resides at Sand Ridge; Amanda C., wife of Samuel Moore, living near
Murphysboro’; and Simon, who is still single, and lives in Texas. Mr. and
Mrs. Whitson both became members of the Methodist church. Mrs. Whit¬
son died March 26th, 1853, at their residence. On the 7th of May, 1863,
Mr. Whiston married Mrs. Eliza Smith. He was originally a Whig and
strenuous opponent of slavery. After the dissolution of the Whig party he
became a Republican.
The first vote he cast was for General Harrison. He also voted twice for
Mr. Lincoln, and twice for General Grant. At the breaking out and dur¬
ing the rebellion he was an uncompromising Union man. Joseph D., his
eldest son, enlisted in company H, 27th Illinois Infantry, and participated
in several battles, in one of which he lost a hand and forearm. He received
an honorable discharge, July 14th, 1864. Mr. Whitson has never been an
aspirant for political honors, but has devoted his entire time and attention to
agriculture, in which he has been successful. He is an honorable, high-
minded gentleman, one whose (to U9e the language of his neighbors) word is
as good as his bond.
JOHN JEFFERSON EAST, (Deceased,)
Was born in Jackson County, Illinois, Aug. 26th, 1824. He was a son of
Thomas and Delilah East. Thomas East was a native of France, emigrated
to America when very young. Having gone on board a ship, and being an
orphan without any home, he was brought to America, not so much from
his desire to visit the new world, but from the fact of his being on board
the ship. He was not found until the ship had been under way for several
days, therefore was not landed until they reached New Orleans, landing in
that city in the year 1801. He was born in the year 1799, afterwards made
his way up the Mississippi to the territory of Illinois. He located about
two and one half miles below where Grand Tower now stands. Married
and founded this branch of the East family in America. He resided iu
that locality until his death. John J. East, when he grew to mauhood was
married January 27th, 1844, to Miss Patsey Henson, daughter of George
Washington Greene Henson, and Polly his wife. Mr. Henson was born
Jan. 19th, 1782, in Rockland County, North Carolina, and when a small
boy moved with his parents to Tennessee. After he grew up he married
Polly Garner, Oct. 6th, 1807, and shortly after emigrated to the territory
of Illinois, reaching here in 1808. Polly Garner was born in Rowan County,
Tennessee, April 19th, 1791. After living for a time at a place known as
Potter’s Creek, near the Big Hill, they subsequently settled on what is now
known as Birk’s Island, stayed there two or three years, then moved to the
main land, and settled a few hundred yards south of what is now known as
the Old East place. His father, Allen Henson, served in the Revolutionary
War, and was severely wounded by the Indians, while trying to milk some
cows near a fort to save some children from starving, — where he was doing
garrison duty, during one of the Indian Wars, that so long desolated the fair
fields of Tennessee and Kentucky — the Indians shot him in the head, and
scalped him. In a few moments a sally was made from the fort and he was
rescued, and strange to relate he recovered from his wounds, and lived many
years afterwards. Mrs. Patsey Henson was born in Jackson County, Sept.
17th, 1827. Mr. East and wife had six children born to them, only two
boys of whom are now living; those living are Thomas Jefferson, and John
Henry East. Mr. East was always a farmer. His death took place at his
residence Jan. 24th, 1870. As a man and a citizen he was well respected.
JAMES P. EAST
Was born at the Big Hill, Jackson County, in the year 1829, Jan. 15th.
He was the son of Thomas and Deliaha East. Thomas East was a native of
France, emigrating to this County when a small boy. He settled in what is
now Jackson County in about 1818. Mr. East’s facilities for receiving an
education were very limited, being raised in this country at that early date,
when schools were hardly thought of, and in Mr. East’s own words boys had
something else to do. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Nar-
cissa S. Whitson, Nov. 9th, 1853. To this union they have had born to them
nine children, of which there are six living, three boys and three girls, viz. :
James Singleton, John Jefferson and George Henry ; the girls are Amanda
Caroline, Adora Ann and Delilah. Mr. East has lived the life of a farmer
in the same neighborhood in which he first saw the light of day; He was
formerly a Republican, but in the last presidential election his convictions
were that he was on the wrong side, and he cast his first vote for the Demo¬
cratic cause, voting for Samuel J. Tilden. He has raised aud owned a great
many fine horses, some of which he has sold at fancy prices. The celebrated
trick horse “ Grand Tower,” now owned by the renowed showman, Dan Rice,
was raised by Mr. East.
98
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, , ILLINOIS.
AARON EASTERLY, (Dec’d).
The record [of this gentleman is in many particulars not unlike that of
the great portion of the well-to-do farmers of Jackson County to-day, who
were, from the force of circumstances, compelled to be the Architects of their
own fortunes.
The great empire of the west is the theatre upon which the vast body of
America’s self-made men have played their part. Many of the latter, like
the subject of this sketch, came here at a period so early, that when the
smoke from their rude cabins curled above the hills, there was scarcely an
evidence of similar habitation between it and the Wabash settlements, far to
the eastward. To these gallant and venturesome spirits, the West is indebted
for the laying of that foundation upon which she built up and developed a
greatness which has outrun the imagination of the poet, who tells us that
“ A thousand years scarce serve to form a State.”
But in our time, States are born of the wild wood, in a day, “ With rights
that Romans never knew,” and clothed with more than the thunders of
Olympian Jove. But to our subject.
Aaron Easterly was born in Greene County, East Tennessee, where his
boyhood days were spent on a farm, and on reaching the years of manhood,
he was married to a lady of the above County and State. They raised a
large family of children, and continued to live in Tennessee until after their
second child was born. They moved to Jackson County, Illinois, about the
year 1833, and settled on a tract of land in what is now known as Ridge
Township, where they lived until the year 1854, then moved to the bottom
farm, at Big Hill ; since better known as the “Old Easterly Homestead.”
A view of the home-place, and a portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Easterly, can be
seen on another page of this work.
He held for several years the office of Public Administrator for the County ;
his death occurred in the fall of 1870. In politics he was a Republican.
Mrs. Easterly died at the Homestead, April 17th, 1876. Those of their
children living in the order of their ages, may be mentioned as follows :
Clarissa, the wife of James P. Bellamy, of Carbondale ; John R., MaryE.,
the wife of Wm. R. Woten, a farmer, near Carbondale.
(Margaret J., Charlotte E., Philip S. and Thomas B. are deceased).
George A., Joseph B. B. and Edward E., the three latter residing at, and
carrying on the Homestead Farm.
JOHN R. EASTERLY
Has a farm which was originally a part of the home place, where he has
made substantial improvements, and by carrying out an intelligent and sci¬
entific idea of farming, he has brought his place up to a high state of culti¬
vation, and he takes rank among the leading and successful agriculturists of
his township. In politics, he is a staunch_Republican, and a man of influ¬
ence in the councils of his party in his neighborhood. He has officiated as
school director in his district, and is always ready to lend his aid to any good
cause that will promote good morals or religious instruction. He is married
and comfortably settled in life, and surrounded by an interesting family. He
is one of those genial, clever gentlemen, noted for his hospitality.
GEORGE A. EASTERLY,
The seventh child of Aaron and Sarah Easterly, was born in this County,
October 10th, 1853. He has three brothers and two sisters yet living. His
father died when he was seventeen years of age, and George, assisted by his
brother John R., continued to carry on the home place, and to educate their
younger brothers and themselves. His early opportunities were such as the
common schools afforded, but being desirous of obtaining more culture, he
attended for a time, the University at Carbondale. On the 9th of April,
1876, he was married to Miss Annie E. Adams, the daughter of Eli and
Margaret J. Adams, who were natives of Kentucky. They settled in Pope
County, Illinois ; she afterwards came to Jackson County with her parents.
Mr. Easterly and wife have had born to them one son, Aaron Leslie Easterly,
born July 17th, 1877. Mr. E. is a member of the M. E. Church, and a
Republican in politics.
MAKANDA TOWNSHIP.
BY W. F. HOPKINS.
GEOLOGY.
fjgte. HE formation presented to view in this Towoship is the carbonife-
rons formation. We have here vast beds of fine sandstone (sand-
wy Hr stone ore of all geological ages, from the Lower Silurian to the
most recent period) along the Illinois Central Rail Road, extend¬
ing north and south nearly through the Township
When the sandstone is very hard or harsh, and contains pebbles, it is called
a grit rock, or millstone grit, or pudding stone. Many of these make good
millstones, and can be found in the hill on the north side of Stone Fort hol¬
low. These stones have been used for millstones for forty or fifty years in
Ohio and elsewhere. I have no doubt but that if more care wa?! taken to
provide strong and durable materials for public edifices, that these rocks
would find their way into every fine edifice in this and adjoining States.
Modern architecture in the United States is very humiliating to those who
boast so loudly of social advancements ; for there is scarcely a public build¬
ing of recent date that will be in existence five hundred years hence. Many
splendid structures are monuments of folly in this respect. Stone intended
for a durable edifice ought to be tested as to its durability, by immersion in a
saturated solution of sulphate of soda (glauber salts) and exposed to the air
for some days ; the crystallization within the stone will cause the same dis¬
integration that would result in time from frost. There is also found inter-
stratified in some places through this formation, seams of coal. These, no
doubt, lie above the true coal measures, and in order to find marketable coal,
exploration would have to be done at greater depths than has been done
in the Township. I entertain no doubt but that coal or salt, or both, could
be obtained at a moderate outlay of capital. There is no doubt whatever
but strong salt-water could be obtained by a few hundred dollars expended
in boring. The salt belongs to this measure as well as many minerals, in¬
cluding gold. Also, most of the fine clays are found and used from this
measure. There are several beds of steatite along the banks of Indian and
Sycamore Creeks. A fine bed of talc makes its appearance in Sec. 29, east
of Col. B. L. Wiley’s residence, a little north of the ford of the creek on the
road leading from Makanda to Pomona Indurated talc is found in large
quantities in the banks of Drurie north of the town of Makanda. These
clays are fine enough to make good ware. There is also a bed of moulding
sand on Iudian Creek. This is the same as that used in casting. It is a
fine, siliceous sand, containing a little clay — enough to retain the forms into
which it may be moulded.
In the north-east part of the Township, along the bank of the Sycamore,
there is a long bed of Iron Stone. It is exposed to view for some three or
four hundred yards in length, and from ten to thirty feet in height. This is
a valuable ore, and conld be profitably worked when there is a demand for
Iron.
The ore of Pilot Knob and Iron Mountain, Mo., is the specular Iron. By.
mixing this ore with the specular a much stronger iron would be obtained.
This is the principal ore used in England. It is an argillaceous carbonate
of iron often called clay iron-stone. It is found in nodules and layers in
the scists and shales of the coal measure. It is very abundant at this place,
and deserves some attention in an economical point of view. The next of
any importance in a geological and mineralogical point of view is the wide
extent of gold deposit in this and the Township west, north and east ; extend¬
ing east into Saline County, and most likely through Kentucky, connecting
with the gold fields of Eastern Tennessee, Georgia, North and South Caro¬
lina and Virginia. These mines extend from Alabama into Canada, and
belong,, as this deposit, to the carboniferous measures. The gold is obtained
from the drift deposit and the talcose-state formation. This formation is the
same, and belongs to the drift period. The alluvium is generally most pro¬
ductive where the loose material is most ferruginous, and the gold is obtained
by washing the gravel.
The mines of Russia, before the discoveries of California and Australia,
ranked first in productiveness. They are alluvial washings, and seldom yield
more than 65 grains to two tons of dirt ; never more than 120 grains. The
drift deposit in this township extends no farther south than the top of Spring¬
er Hill, one and a half miles north of the town of Makanda. From this
point it extends east and west for many miles. It did not extend south of
this divide, for there are no traces of it to be seen in the counties of Union,
Johnson, Pope, or Hardin. During the drift period, this elevation of land
was raised above the waters on the north side. There can be no doubt but
this was after the tertiary period, and will be found limited to basins and
troughs, although of hundreds of miles in extent.
The seas of this period extend north of this divide, for it is evident that
this was dry land when the region in question was beneath the seas of that
period. This is evident from the fossils found in it. We find remains of Cala-
mites, Depidodendra, Cyclas, Revoluta, Sigillania, Stigmaria, Ulodendro,
Annularia, also Palyparia or Corals. The remains of these and many others
can be found imbedded in the gravel and clays, through the whole extent of
this deposit. In sinking a well at William Thedford’s (in the north-east corner
of this township) at a depth of some 25 or 30 feet, the trunk of a large-sized
tree was found. They also found large pieces of wood, evidently limbs of a
tree. There can be no doubt but that it floated and sank at the place it was
found, and afterwards was buried beneath the drift which passed over this
section of country.
Geologically this township presents more points of interest in an economic
point of view than any township in the County, excepting the township of
Murphysboro’.
Makanda Township forms a part of a beautiful plateau on the eastern
spire of the Ozark Mountains, having its southern boundary near the great
divide, and slopes gradually to the northward. The highest point of eleva¬
tion is in section 32, near the residence of Mrs. M. C. Zimmerman, being 765
feet above the ocean level. The Illinois Central Rail Road bed at the Ma¬
kanda station is 122 feet below the water of Lake Michigan and 7 feet below
St. Louis. The average heights of the ridges are 290 feet above St. Louis,
178£ feet above Lake Michigan, and 138 feet above Lake Superior.
Our great altitude render us almost free from heavy frosts late ih the
spring season of the year ; an insurmountable obstacle in the way of success¬
ful fruit growing in the surrounding districts. The same rule holds good,
also, in the fall season of the year, thus giving wheat an excellent growth
before winter sets in.
DRAINAGE.
Drurie Creek, which has its source in the divide in the extreme northern
part of Union County, enters the township at the southern side, and flows
through sections 33, 27, 21, 16, 9 and 3, passing out at the northern side,
thus dividing the entire township north and south, and flowing in the direc¬
tion of Big Muddy River. The Indian and the Sycamore from the east, and
Spring Creek from the west, form its tributaries, and drains this township,
99
100
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
except a small portion aloDg the west boundary which is drained by the
Big Lick.
EARLY DAYS.
Many implements of the chase in pre-historic times still abound, and from
the many stories that have reached us from the Shawned and Delaware
Indians, and early white settlers, it is certain that prior to the dawn of
civilization, this country was occupied by wild animals to an extent that is
almost wholly incredible at the present day. To see a herd of two hundred
buffalo, a hundred deer or twenty-five to fifty elk, was regarded as being
nothing uncommon, and a good hunter could kill a bear in a few hours, at
almost any time. In the absence of railroads, large farms and magnificent
markets, hunting furnished profitable employment for our fathers.
There were some bear in 1830. In 1835 the last elk was seen in the town¬
ship, but up to 1840, deer was plenty. J. A. Prickett, killed two deer in the
north-east part of the township in 1874. With the settling up of the County
the game has been killed out, and made to seek more sparsely populated dis¬
tricts, until at present nothing remains of the former age except the raccoon,
opossum, squirrel, rabbit, mink, ground-hog, &c.
In the year 1780 the first white man put foot on the soil in the township,
passed through on an exploring expedition. In about the year 1790 another
party of four white men passed ‘through the township, going in the direction
of the Mississippi River. In the year 1800 a party of four white men, and
their wives camped at Stone Fort about a week and passed on. After the
lapse of three years, one of the last named party, Daniel T. Coleman, returned
and built a small cabin, and made a small improvement in Sec. 33, and re¬
mained until his death in about the year 1814. He followed hunting chiefly
as a means of subsistence. What became of his wife and family subsequently
is not known.
We mention further Jonas Yancil and Isaac his son. These came in 1806.
These were natives of North Carolina who came to Illinois in 1804, and set¬
tled in the exact spot where Jonesboro’, Union County, now stands. Jonas
was a confidential friend of George Owl, and George Hunter, chiefs of the
tribes of the Shawnee and Delaware Indians. * Mr. Yancil with his family,
opened the farm where Mrs. Zimmerman now lives in this township. He
afterwards joined the church of the Latter-Day Saints, and was ordained a
Mormon minister. He died in Sept. 1856 at the great age of 102
years. His wife, Mary died November, 1867, aged 92 years. Isaac,
like his father, was a great hunter. Born (in 1800 in Muhlenburg
County, Kentucky — this is the man whom the author of a history of
Williamson County says, was the first white man born in that county — at
the age of eighteen he settled the place now owned by Col. Ben. L- Wylie.
Afterwards he opened the farm now owned by J. S. Hartman.
WILLIAM THEDFORD
is one of the oldest citizens of the county, he is now in his 97th year and
enjoys good health. He came to this township in 1816. He has made a
fortune, and enjoys the consolation of reflecting upon a well spent life.
WILLIAM GENTRY.
This aged citizen was born in the state of Tennessee, in Sept. 1808. His
parents moved to Alabama when he was eight years old- He was married
in 1826, and became father of nine children, four of whom survive. He
came to this county and township in the year 1832.
JACOB SCHWARTZ
Came to Jackson County in 1817. He was born in Somerset County, Penn¬
sylvania, in 1804. In 1839 he was married to Margaret Edwards of Ohio.
He became blind in 1855. He is father of seven children, all living.
PUBLIC ROADS.
The township is divided into three road districts, and the public highways
are seven in number — six of which centre in the town of Makanda, and one,
the Jonesboro’ and Carbondale, west of the centre, traverses the entire length
of the township north and south. These highways are kept in the very best
condition to meet the demands of the fruit-growers for good roads over
which to haul their perishable'fruit.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
This township is divided into nine school districts, all of which have good
school buildings, except district nine. The districts are almost all entirely
out of debt, and pay good wages and employ only the best teachers.
The schools were never in a more prosperous condition. In 1876 there
were 900 children of school-going age.
Average salary paid teachers for the same year 843 per month.
FRUITS.
The light soils of the sandstone ridges are especially suited to the growth
of the wood and fruit of all kinds. Advantage was early taken of these con¬
ditions,, when the Illinois Central Railroad opened facilities for market to
embark in fruit-growing on a large scale.
The most marked years of success and profit, although the operators were
fewer than at present, were between the years of I860 and 1867, when for¬
tunes were made in the business. The peach, up to this time, had seldom
failed. The heavily timbered hills afford protection, and insect enemies
were few.
Under the stimulus of good prices and other favorable conditions, fruit¬
growing reached its highest degree of success in 1867. Ninety-five car loads
were shipped from Makanda Station during the month of August of this
year.
The shipments of grapes were larger than ever afterward, averaging three
cars per day during the season of their prime. These grapes were sent in car
lots to New York, Boston, and other eastern cities at good profit to the
growers.
The average daily shipments of fruit from the above period to 1877 during
the season was from two to six car loads. • The largest daily shipment in
1871 was five cars; in 1872, three cars; in 1874, six cars. In 1869 the
largest shipment of strawberries was three car loads ; in 1877, two car loads.
During the off-years of fruit, compensations in various ways have accrued.
They stimulated the planting of greater varieties and a more diversified farm
culture.
Now every fruit and vegetable of the temperate zone is propagated with
success, and finds early sale in the great centre of population. Altitude has
much to dp with these results. Below a certain and well-defined level the
tender fruits do not flourish. This has been termed the “frost line,” and is
665 feet above sea level, and about 100 feet above the road-bed of the
Central at the Station. A large area of elevated table-land rises above this
line, where the peach and apricot find a congenial home. The average
height of these ridges and plateau above Lake Michigan is 1 78 J feet; above
Lake Superior, 138 feet ; and above St. Louis, 290 feet. These figures, care¬
fully collated from the survey field-notes of the civil engineers of the Illinois
Central, have dissipated the long-entertained opinion of Northern and
Eastern people that Egypt is a low, continuous, and swampy level.
MISSIONARY BAPTIST.
Stone Fort Baptist Church was organized February 7th, A. D., 1863,
chiefly through the labors of Deacon John Hunter, who moving to Makanda
in 1856, found the county on the east side of the railroad almost destitute of
preaching. Securing the services of Elders H. H. Richardson, David Butler,
M. B. Kelley, Asa Parker, and other missionaries, a station was occupied at
the Randleman School-house, which culminated in the organization of a
church on the date above stated, with nine members, viz., John and Rh-oda
Hunter, R. S. and Amelia Baldwin, Francis H. and Nancy J. Kelley, B. F.
Kelley, Mary H. Kelley, and Sarah Markham. Elder David Butler was
chosen pastor, B. S. Baldwin, clerk. Since which time one hundred and six¬
ty-nine members have been received, one hundred and eleven by baptism.
The pastors have been as follows : Elder David Butler, John D. Lamer,
Alonzo Durham, D. J. Hutton, John A. Williams, John D. Lamer, D. R.
Sanders, John A. Williams, F. M. Agnew, and John A. Rodman.
The church erected the present building at Makanda, in connection with
Makanda Lodge, No. 434, A. F. and A. M., in 1868. The present status of
the church is, Pastor, John A. Rodman ; Clerk, C. B. Foster ; Deacons, John
Hunter, John Rendlemen, William Gentry, and S. P. Bingham ; Trustees,
John Rendlemen, Wm. Rendlemen, Wm. Gentry. One ordained minister,
T. M. Agnew, one licentiate, A. M. Lee, with a membership of seventy
names.
FREE-WILL BAPTIST.
In 1865, Rev. D. L. Piney, of Johnson County, organized the General
Free-will Baptist Church, at the residence of Dr. Hill, in the town of Makan¬
da. As then constituted, the church contained but five members, viz. : Dr.
E. E. Hill and wife, Mrs. Eliza and her son James Prickett, and Mrs. Brock.
The church continued to prosper until it numbered 45 members. The church
owns no property, and Dr. Hill’s residence continued to be the only regular
place of meeting up to the year 1874, when the place of meeting was changed
to the District School-house, where it has since continued.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
101
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Carbondale Circuit was organized in the year 1860. We have been
wholly unable to ascertain through whose efforts the organization was
effected.
September 15th, 1877, the membership in the township numbered 140,
with a 'probationary membership of 33, distributed among the several
churches, as follows :
Members.
Probationers.
Oak Grove .
. 60
20
Zion . . .
. 45
12
Makanda .
0
Mount Moriah .
1
140
33
Its era has been one of prosperity. Under the leadership of the many able
ministers that have been called upon to preside over it from time to time, it
has enjoyed many revivals, all laden with rich results for the church.
PHYSICIANS.
The first practice of medicine in this township was by Dr. Wills. His
residence was at Old Brownsville, and his practice extended to Jonesboro’.
When he visited a patient he always took with him his trusty gun and
hounds — the latter numbered about twenty, generally ; and when he stopped
to see a patient he always insisted that his dogs should be fed. The resident
physicians have been — Dr. Joel Grammar, 1845 to 1859, died in Nevada
Territory in 1862; Dr. Geo. W. Wallace, 1845 to 1860; Dr. Lacy, 1861 to
1862; Dr. Stewart, undergraduate of the University of Michigan, at Ann
Arbor, 1861, was here 1861 to 1862; L.'K. Parks, M. D., Medical Depart¬
ment, University of Missouri, St. Louis, 1858 to 1860; E. E. Hill, 1863 to
present; F. M. Agnew, M. D., Medical College of Ohio, 1862, Ad eundem
Miami Medical College, 1866, 1864 to present ; T. C. Hussy, M. D., St. Louis
Medical College, 1868, 1865 to 1869 ; — Wilkins, M. D., Rush Medical Col¬
lege. 1864, 1867 to 1868 ; Dr. D. L. Bushnell, 1867 to 1868; G. Callen,
M. D., 1868 to present; Dr. G. W. Crecelius, 1871 to 1874; Dr. Geo. N.
Gher, 1871 to 1875; Dr. Bane, 1873 to 1874; Dr. C. L. Miller, under¬
graduate, Medical College, Ohio, 1875, 1875 to present.
WHEAT.
Wheat-growing dates from the settlement of the township. It became
known at an early date that the soil was suited to the production of wheat,
that in quality would compare favorably with that produced in any part of
the world. To prove that this prediction has been fully verified, we need
only refer to the fact that wheat grown in this township was awarded the
prize at the Centennial Exposition, at Philadelphia, in the year 1876, when
it came in competition with wheat from all countries.
In the year 1877 there were 1,800 acres wheat grown in the township,
the total yield footing up nearly 36,000 bushels. The acreage for 1878 is in
excess of any. former year. It is not too much to say that the full capacity
of the soil has not yet been developed. Forty bushels have been grown to
the acre, and it is confidently believed that in a few years fifty will be
reached.
The leading varieties propagated at present are, in the order of their im¬
portance, as follows : Fultz, Bull Wheat, Tappahannock, and Red Shuck.
NURSERIES.
There is not, perhaps, in the whole country, another point where the
nursery business is carried to a higher degree of perfection than in this town¬
ship. Here are propagated all of the various fruits grown in this latitude.
Also, all kinds and varieties of yard and lawn shrubbery and forest trees.
The Makanda Nurseries, in section 33, together with their branches and
auxiliaries, have a capacity of one million trees per annum. The Excelsior
Nurseries, in section 17, are very extensive, and cover an area of about ten
acres.
ARCHAEOLOGY.
This vicinity abounds in many very interesting remains. The most notable
among them pertain to that race known as the Moun'd Builders, whose em¬
pire extended from Lake Ontario to the Gulf. Implements of the chase un¬
known and unused by the succeeding savages, are abundant. Among these
are the beautiful whirling arrows, and points for shooting in circles. Places
of worship are still extant. These are complete circles of upright stones, and
always found on the extreme summits of the hills. They were doubtless de¬
voted to sun-worship, the very earliest form of human devotion. Statuary
and pottery have been exhumed from the mounds and burial-places of great
beauty of form and workmanship. The largest collection of these in the
United States is in the hands of that devoted scholar, Col. Perrine, of our
sister town of Anna. Among innumerable relics of great interest, this gen¬
tleman has a statuette in gypsum or crvstalized limestone, found by himself
in a mound, representing a man in a sitting posture. The features are heavy,
but mild and benignant. A fine statuette in copper or bronze, found in a
once-worked mine of red pigment, is in the possession of A. Robinson, of
this place, Editor Daily Danville Times. But most notable among all re¬
mains in this vicinity, and which defies all attempt at explanation, is a well-
preserved fortification of stone, built on a projecting promontory of sandstone,
with walls a hundred feet high, within a half mile of Makanda. This is of
very ancient origin, judging by the rough and moss-covered masonry. It
was doubtless a place of defence against the fierce hordes which finally drove
out the original population. But its history must forever remain unwritten,
and the praise of its heroes unsung. It is widely known as the “ Old Stone
Fort,” and is a popular place of resort by pleasure-seekers and public ga¬
therings.
THE TOWN OF MAKANDA
Is situated forty-nine miles north of Cairo, on the Illinois Central Rail Road,
in the midst of romantic scenery. In either direction — east or west — the
bluff rises to the height of 350 feet in regular amphitheatrical form. Drurie
Creek flows through the centre of the valley, and is crossed by a beautiful
bridge, on west Main St.
The town of Makanda was laid out and platted in the year 1863, by Miss
Minerva Zimmerman (deceased Sept. 30th, 1877). Additions have been
made by Theo. W- Thompson, Evans, and Prof. W. D. F. Lummis. The
merchants have been: Daniel McConnell, Bone Davis, Zimmerman &
Gallop, Daniel Davie, Calvin Dishon, E. Cover, Jones, Geo. W. Owens, Geo.
W. Smith, O. S. Butler, Patterson & Bailey, Reed Bros., Bailey &-Hau-
ford, Patterson & Krysher, George Krysher, G. W. Patterson, and Ren-
dleman & Thompson.
Although the town is composed principally of wooden buildings, it has
been remarkably free from destructive fires. In 1874 a small building, in
the south-west corner of the town, was destroyed by fire. Loss, about $250
to $300. In the early part of the year 1877, a large double frame, two-story
building, belonging to Mrs. A. M. Moore, in the west part of town, was also
destroyed by fire. Loss, about $1,000.
Present Status : Four dry good stores, one drug store, one millinery store,
one show shop, two cooper shops, two wagon shops, one grist mill, and com¬
bined saw mill and box factory, three blacksmith shope, three hotels, two
churches, and one public school.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Col. BENJAMIN L. WILEY
Is most emphatically one of Jackson County’s representative men. He
was born in Smithfield, Jefferson County, Ohio, March 25th, 1821. He was
the son of Abel and Rebecca (nee Richardson) Wiley, who were natives of
Maryland, and old-fashioned Quakers. Col. Wiley still holds to the faith,
he believing that to be as near right as any religion, especially as practised
by the members.
All the education he ever received was obtained in the common schools
of his native county, he attending them about thirteen months. Afterwards,
teaching and studying at the same time, he acquired a good education, suffi¬
cient, at least, to do business and to fill any ordinary position in life.
While living at home with his father, he learned the carpenter’s trade
from him, and worked at it until he moved to Illinois, in 1845. He landed
at Metropolis June 13th of that year, walked from there to Vienna, in John¬
son County, Illinois, and commenced life in earnest for himself. He at once
engaged himself to teach a country school, where he taught and started some
of the best men in life that southern Illinois now affords.
In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican army, under Gen. Sterling Price, in
the 5th Illinois, commanded by E W. B. Newby, serving in New Mexico
until the close. He was mustered out in October, 1848, and returned to
Johnson County, and from there to Jonesboro’, Union County, in 1849, and
worked at carpentering for about a year, then went to clerking in a store for
Winsted Davie, the oldest merchant in southern Illinois. He remained
with him until 1853. In the meantime he helped to start and edited the
Jonesboro' Gazette, one of the most successful papers in the State. In 1853
he went to St. Louis and engaged as traveling salesman for Eddy, Jamieson
& Co., selling for them in Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky, until 1853, when
he returned to Jonesboro’, and engaged in the hardware business, and con¬
tinued in that for several years. In 1856 he was the Republican candidate
for Congress in his district, and received 4,000 votes in Egypt, where it was
unsafe to be a Republican, Fremont only getting 825 votes. In 1857 he
opmed a real estate office in Anna, Illinois, in connection with D. L. Phil¬
lips and Col. L. W. Ashley ; continued in that business until 1860, when he
moved to the farm near Makanda, where he now lives.
September 9, 1860, he was mustered into the army as Lieutenant-Colonel
of the 5th Ulindis Cavalry, and served in Missouri and Arkansas with Gen¬
erals Steele and Curtis. Four months of the time he had command of the
1st Brigade of Cavalry.
May 29th, 1863, he was ordered to Vicksburg, and reported at Chickasaw
Bayou, on the 31st, and was immediately placed in command of all the cav¬
alry on the right wing of General Grant’s army. On the termination of the
Siege of Vicksburg, being disabled by rheumatism, he resigned and came
home; was soon after appointed the enrolling commissioner at Cairo, and
served in that capacity until May 5th, 1865, when he was mustered out of
the service. April, 1869, he was appointed by Gov. Palmer one of the Com¬
missioners to locate the Southern Illinois Insane Asylum now at Anna, and
served as Secretary of the Board until it was re-organized in May, 1871.
In 1869 he was candidate for County Judge, and defeated with the balance
of the ticket; in 1872 was candidate for State Senate, and defeated in a dis¬
trict that gives a Democratic majority of 1200, by 275 votes; in 1873 was a
member of the Board of County Supervisors from Makanda Township ; and
in 1876 was a candidate for Congress in the 18th district, and was defeated
by a majority of 20; the vote stood — Wm. Hartsell, Democrat, 14,691 ;
Wiley, Republican, 14,671. Wiley carried six counties and Hartsell four.
Col Wiley was married December 5th, 1850, to Miss Emily Davie, oldest
daughter of his employer. They have raised a family of nine children, all
of whom are living at home, viz. : William W-, John A., Ann R , Benj. L.,
Jr., Daniel D., Charles H., Mary E., Henry K., and James W. ; their
parents furnishing them with all the facilities possible for obtaining a good
102
education ; buying all the standard books and papers of the day. Mr. and
Mrs. Wiley now own 1800 acres of land, about 600 of which is in a high
state of cultivation, with an orchard of 4000 trees on it, from which he gets a
good regular income; in fact, he is one of the most successful farmers in the
country, always raising good crops aud keeping the best of stock. In poli¬
tics he was an old line Whig, until the organization of the Republican party,
when he joined that, and has been a zealous advocate of its principles ever
since. Mr. Wiley attributes much of his success in life to the following
closely of the advice of an old Quaker friend, given him when a boy. He
said : “ We Quakers hardly ever attend theatre, but when we do, we buy a
box ticket ; ” in other words, always buy the best, and associate with the
best people.
THOMAS J. PRICKETT,
One of the representative farmers of Makanda Township, is the son of Abra¬
ham and Martha (Harris) Prickett. Was born May 4th, 1822, at Edwards-
ville, Madison County, Illinois.
When about one year old, his mother died, and from this time until the
age of fourteen, he lived with his grandfather on a farm, after which he lived
in Edwardsville with his uncle, Isaac Prickett.
In 1842 he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and served an apprenticeship at
brick-making, and in 1847, enlisted in company E, of Second Illinois Regi¬
ment, and fought in the Mexican War. Soon after his return from the war,
he went in 1850 to California, and engaged in mining one year, returning in
1851 to St. Louis.
He married Mrs. Louisa J. Cake, by whom he has three children, John
A., Josephine and Blanche. In 1853 he returned to Edwardsville, and with
his brother John A., engaged in merchandizing. He moved in 1862 to Jack -
son County, Illinois, and opened a fruit farm, where he continues to reside.
Mr. Prickett is a zealous member of the Masonic Fraternity, and has for
many years been Grand Lecturer in Lodge, Chapter, aud Council. He was
appointed in 1865, by the Grand Lodge, Grand Overseer of the work, which
position he held until 1876, when he declined further service. It is said by
many good judges, that he is the best Ritualist in the State.
JAS. BARROW.
Another of Jackson County’s oldest settlers is Jas. Barrow. He was
born in Wayne County, Ky., Oct. 11th, 1814. His father and mother, John
and Emma Lee Barrow, were born in North Carolina. They moved to Ken¬
tucky in 1796. In 1812 his father served in the army, under Gen. Jackson,
as 2d Lieut., taking part in the battle at New Orleans, where he distinguished
himself by his bravery. He moved to Illinois in 1818, in an old-fashioned
keel boat, landing at Kaskaskia (then about the oldest and most important
town in Illinois) stopping near there about three years ; he then moved to
Jackson County, where he died in 1859.
James Barrow, the subject of our sketch, was the third child, and the only
one now living, of John and Emma Barrow. He was married Novem¬
ber 27th, 1834, to Catharine Crider, by whom he had twelve children,
eight of whom are still living. Mrs. Barrow dying February 19th, 1865,
he was again married July 16th, of the same year, to Sabray Musgrave, who
is the mother of four children, and all at home. Mr. Barrow has a vivid
recollection of the Indians, having often seen four or five hundred of them pass
his father’s house at one time. They were hardly ever troublesome, however.
They getting their living by hunting and fishing, with but little trouble ; there
was no necessity for committing any depredations. Politically, Mr. Barrow
was an old Jackson Democrat, until the breaking out of the Rebellion, then,
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS
103
thinking the principles advocated and fought for by the Republican party
were right, he identified himself with it, and has since remained true to its
teachings. He furnished three of his sons to the army, one of whom was
sacrificed to the cause of liberty and justice, two of the cardinal principles of
our Government, and fought for by our revolutionary forefathers.
Mr. and Mrs. Barrow are both members of the United Baptist Church,
and they both seem to be living for their families and their religion. Mr.
Barrow is one of the Pioneers of the State, and the oldest settler of this
(Bradley) Township. Although he is almost blind, he still retains all his
mental faculties in an eminent degree, and much of his physical ability. Mr.
Barrow has bought about 640 acres of land, entirely by his own exertions,
which he is giving to his children as fast as they come to maturity.
JACOB SWARTZ.
One of the oldest settlers in Jackson County, and one who has been iden¬
tified with its interests as largely perhaps, as any man in it, is Jacob Swartz,
who came to the territory of Illinois in 1817. He was born in Somerset
County, Pennsylvania. July 30th, 1804. He was the fifth of a family of
eight children, only two of whom are now living. His parents, Jacob and
Catharine Swartz, were both born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and
moved with their family to this County, in 1817, and settled near old Browns¬
ville, where they lived for a number of years. Mr. Swartz, thesubjectof our
sketch, commenced life as a merchant in company with his brother-in-law,
Jas. Harrold, and continued in that business until his eyes failed him, when
he sold out and moved on the farm where he now lives, in Makanda town¬
ship. He was married October 10th, 1839, to Margaret Edwards, of Ohio.
They had one child, James, who is still living near his father. His first wife
dying in 1841, he was again married to Mary Paterson, July 24th, 1851 ; she
is still living. They have had eight children, viz : Jacob P., George G.,
Ellen C., Sarah S., William H., Edward A., the other two dying in infancy.
In 1832, Mr. Swartz was in the Black Hawk, war under old Governor
Jenkins, as Corporal.
He has a vivid recollection of the Kaskaskia Indians, who were very
numerous in Jackson County at that time, although perfectly peaceable. In
1844, he and his partner Harrold, built the only steamboat ever built in
Jackson County, the Convoy of St. Louis, for Captain Garrison, who failed
to pay them for it. Mr. Swartz has always been largely identified with the
interests of the County, coming here when it was nothing hut a wilderness,
he has lived to see it become one of the first Counties in the State, and to
acquire a competence for himself and family. He remembers all the first
settlers, having shared with them all the trials and hardships of a pioneer’s
life.
Politically, he was an old time Whig, while that, party lived ; since then,
he has tried to vote for the best men, without regard to politics.
He and his family belong to the good, old Methodist Church. His neigh¬
bors give him credit for being an honest, charitable man, such as all commu¬
nities need.
NEWTON J. POWERS.
To Tennessee seems to belong the honor of being the banner state, in send¬
ing her sons to people the southern part of this great state, the gentleman
whose name stands at the head of this history, being one of them. He was
born Dec. 15th, 1837, in Marshall County, Tennessee. He is the fifth child
of a family of seven children, of John and Levina Powers, who were natives
of and emigrated from South Carolina in 1824. Mr. Powers lived in Ten¬
nessee until his death, which occurred about 1839. The family remained in
that state until 1853, when they removed to Union County, Illinois, where
they were engaged in farming until 1865. All the members of the family
early embraced religion, and connected themselves with the Baptist denomi¬
nation, of which they remained consistent members. Newton J. Powers re¬
ceived his education in the common schools of Tennessee. He improved his
opportunities then as he has since, and is a gentleman of good general infor¬
mation. In 1865 he located in Makanda, Jackson County, Illinois, and was
for a time engaged as clerk with E. Cover, in a general merchandize store.
Since 1871, Mr. Powers has been engaged in the drug business, and has
proven himself worthy of the confidence and respect of the people, by his
strict integrity and close application to business. He has also met with that
success which such habits invariably result in. Mr. Powers was married,
August 9th, 1863, to Miss Ellenor A. Guilliams, of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs.
Powers are still living, and are held in high esteem by a large circle of friends.
Mr. Powers furnishes another example to the present generation of boys, as
to the enviable position a man can raise himself to by his own unaided efforts.
BRADLEY TOWNSHIP.
IHIS lies in the extreme north-western party of the County, and was
IcMa named in honor of Judge Wm. Bradley, a highly honored citi-
FWv zen of this County, whose services to the County deserved that
his name be thus rescued from decay.
Bradley is bounded on the north by Randolph County, on the east by Ora
and Ava, on the South, by the three townships of Ava, Kinkaid and Degog-
nia, and on the west, by Randolph County, Degognia Creek being the line of
demarcation. Kinkaid and Beaucoup Creeks, have their source within its
limits, the first, flowing to the southward and the latter, in a northeasterly
direction. It is further drained and watered by Degognia Creek and some of
its eastern tributaries.
The St. Louis and Cairo Railroad enters it from the north and runs a south,
easterly course through it, passing out in the east, a little more than a mile
from the south line.
This township contained a few settlers before the organization of the State,
in 1818.
It contains one town, Campbell Hill, situated on the railroad named above,
four miles from its rival Ava.
This village was surveyed and laid off by Edward Newsome, County Sur¬
veyor, and certified to, on January 10th, 1874. The plat was filed for
record with R. W. Hamilton, Circuit Clerk and Recorder, on the 19th of
March in the same year. St. Louis & C. R. R., has a station here, and
Bradley is deserted, and its glory has paled in the presence of the more
youthful competitor.
Campbell Hill claims a population of 300 inhabitants, and is under town
organization. The town officers are as follows : Dr. W. R. Gordon, Presi¬
dent of the Council; Mr. Mohlenbrock, Mr. Underwood, John McDonald,
Mr. Downen and Peter Stoffle. George Gordon, is Clerk of the Board, and
Henry Loy, is Magistrate.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The school-building is new, comfortable, and furnished with the best style
of school-desks and seats. It was built in 1877, at a cost to the taxpayers of
about $1200, and reflects credit upon their taste and culture, and exhibits an
interest in the cause of education, worthy of commendation.
The hotel is kept by Mr. Benson, and its reputation may be .inferred, from
the fact that it is at his hotel the passengers northward or southward on the
railroad, get their dinners.
There is but one church edifice in the town, which wa3 erected by the Bap¬
tist society, known as “ Looney Spring ” Church. George Gordon is the
pastor. The building is of brick, and is not yet entirely finished. This is
the strongest religious organization in that part of the County. Judge Brad-
104
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
ley has been its pastor. Among the members of this church, in its early
years and at the present, mention is made of David Underwood, his sons and
families, the Gordons, the Phoenixes and Downens. A prosperous Sunday-
school is connected with the church.
firms.
Gordon & Co , are dealers in general merchandise. Augustus Dudenbas-
tle is postmaster and dealer in dry goods and groceries. John Hanna, has a
drug store. The custom and merchant mill, which was formerly run by
Thomas Woods, is now operated by William Mohlenbrock. Itis a large and
well-conducted establishment, and affords the farmers a home market for
their grain.
Among the substantial farmers of Bradley township, or as it was called
until of late years, Bradley precinct, we make mention of Cyrus Bradley,
Mr. Phoenix, Mr. Tucker, Jonathan. McDonald, Mr. William Downen, Peter
Stoffle, Mr. Ward, the Underwoods. Among the first settlers we mention
Mrs. William Kimrael, 1817, and Mr. Barrow. Josiah Cully came to settle
in the Bradley settlement in 1836.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
A very considerable portion of this township consists of land suitable for
agricultural purposes. In the eastern part, the land is somewhat broken, but
of good quality ; in south and west the surface is smooth. Some exceedingly
well-tilled farms, are found in this section, and the traveler through Bradley
meets evidences of thrift and plenty on every hand. The people are honest
and wide-awake, and are marching abreast of the times. The old log school-
houses have largely disappeared, and new frame buildings, comfortably seated
and well lighted, are superseding them.
This was all heavily timbered before his echoing axe, the settler swung,”
and there is yet an abundance of the very best timber. Good qualities of
building stone abound.
Ex-Sheriff JAMES C. THOMPSON.
Genealogy in this country, has in the past not only received little at¬
tention, but has been looked upon with contempt by a great majority of our
people; who believing it a relic of monarchism, have consequently thought it
inconsistent with our Democratic tendencies and professions. But happily
these ideas are rapidly undergoing a change, and people are beginning to
recognize that an old and respected family name and history, is something
to look upon with pride, and to cherish and protect, as something not entirely
their own, but rather as something they hold in trust for the benefit of future
generations. Among those of this county who can point with pride to his
family history is ex-sheriff James C. Thompson. He was born in St. Charles
County, Missouri, July 7th, 1820, the fourth child of a family of twelve chil¬
dren of William and Jane Thompson, five of whom are still living. Wm.
Thompson and his wife were both natives of North Carolina, his family
originally being Irish, and Mrs. Thompson English. The families of both
emigrated to Kentucky when they were children, where they soon became
acquainted, and were married. In 1815, they removed to St. Charles
County, Missouri, locating on a tract of land, near where the city of St.
Charles now is. Here Mr. Thompson’s health became impaired, and he re¬
moved to Livingston County, Kentucky, where he resided for a period of
fifty years. He died Sept- 8th, 1871, at the residence of his son, Dr. Pink¬
ney Thompson^ of Henderson County, Kentucky. His wife survived him
but a short time, and died Jan. 30th, 1872 at the residence of her daughter,
Mrs. Elizabeth, relict of Dr. Lee of Princeton, Kentucky. Mr. Thompson,
at his death, was an octogenarian, a fact that speaks more strongly than
words of an abstemious, and virtuous life. And during that long and
eventful life such was the goodness of his character, the justice of his inten¬
tions, that on no occasion did he ever have to appeal to the courts for any
settlement of differences that might have chanced to arise between him and
his neighbors. Both himself and wife were for many years active and con¬
sistent members of the Presbyterian Church. He was one of the second
generation of patriots, who heroically met, and successfuly defeated the
second attempt to subvert our institutions, and enslave a nation of freemen.
He was present at the battle of Tippecanoe, and also when Tecumseh was
killed. He was a whig and a great admirerer of Henry Clay. During
the rebellion he was a staunch supporter of the Union course, and manu¬
mitted all of his slaves prior to the war. His son Theodore was twice Sheriff
of Livingston County, Kentucky, and twice a member of the Legislature.
James C-, another son and subject of this history, enjoyed the advantages
of a good common school education. At the age of twenty-one he came to
Illinois, and located near Marion, Williamson County. In 1841 he en¬
gaged in teaching school, which he continued for three years. After which,
he farmed and taught alternately, winter and summer, until 1846. On the
20th of January, he married Mrs. Cynthia Bradley, relict of John Bradley.
Her father, Thomas Framel, was of English extraction and a native of
North Carolina. Her mother was a Virginian. They came to the territory
of Illinois shortly before it was admitted as a state, and settled in what is
now Williamson County. Their daughter, Mrs. Thompson, was born in
Franklin County, Illinois, April 1st, 1821. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have
had a family of twelve children, the following of whom are living : Harriet
E., wife of George Woodward, of Kinkaid Township; Mary E., wife of J.
W. Jones, of the 3ame place; James P. Thompson, residing near home place ;
R. E., residing with his parents; Sarah C., wife of Dr. P. H. McMillan, of
Shiloah, Randolph County, Illinois ; Emily J., Edgar A., and Wm. J., resid¬
ing at home with their parents. In 1847 Mr. Thompson purchased land in
Degognia, on the river near Hat Island, below where Mr. Price now re¬
sides. He remained there ten years engaged in farming and selling cord
wood. In 1857 he moved to Kinkaid Township, where he remained two
years, and for a time was engaged in the saw-mill business. He after¬
wards purchased a farm in the neighborhood, where he remained until the
spring of 1864, when he removed to Carbondale Township, on a farm [two
and one half miles from Carbondale, which he had purchased. In the fall
of 1864, he was elected Sheriff of Jackson County, as a nominee of the Demo¬
cratic party. At the expiration of his term of office, owing to the then ex¬
isting law, he could not be a candidate for re-election. But such was his
popularity that after a retirement of two years, he was again brought for¬
ward and re-elected. He proved a highly efficient and capable officer, and
a most satisfactory one to the people of Jackson County. • In 1871 he pur¬
chased and removed to the farm where he now resides in Bradley Township.
His farm consists of two hundred and twenty acres, all in a good state of
cultivation. Mr. Thompson, taking a leading position as a successful agri¬
culturalist. He was a Whig in politics until the passage of the famous
Lecompton Constitution of Kansas, when he beoame a Democrat, and a
great admirer of Stephen A. Douglass. Mr. Thompson, having always been
a strong opponent of slavery, was a firm supporter of the Union cause during
the rebellion. He has through a life of honest and persistent effort, suc¬
ceeded in accumulating a handsome competency, and which he enjoys, sur¬
rounded by his children and grand-children. He is a man of considerable
literary ability, and a most estimable gentleman in all of his relations in
life. Generous and hospitable, his home is one in which his friends and ac¬
quaintances delight to gather and do honor to their host. “ May his shadow
never be less,” is the hearty wish of the writer of this biography. A view
of his extensive home place appears in this work.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY \ ILLINOIS.
105
ELI WEBB, Esq.
Virginia, Kentucky, and the Carolmas bear the palm for sending .the
greatest number of hardy and thrifty men and women to the southern por¬
tion of this State. The New England States have sent comparatively few;
but they are (none the less) worthily represented. Among the prominent
citizens of Jackson County who are of New England nativity, is Mr. Eli
Webb. He was born December 7th, 1827, in Knox County, Maine, and
was the eldest child of Solomon and Mary W. (Ryansen't Webb. His fore¬
fathers were English, and settled near Portland, Maine, at an early day.
Mrs. Webb’s ancestors were Irish.
In 1839, Solomon Webb, with his family, moved to St. Louis, where he
remained until 1847, when he moved to Randolph County, Illinois, locating
near Chester, where he died, in 1864. His widow still survives, and lives
near the old home-place. Young Eli had very good advantages in getting
an education, attending the common schools of St. Louis. These advantages
he profited by, and enjoys the satisfaction of having a fair English education.
He enlisted in the fall of 1846 as a volunteer to fight the Mexicans, and
was mustered in at Fort Leavenworth. The regiment disbanded in October.
Mr. Webb then went in a Government train to Santa Fe, aod joined Company
A, Santa Fe Battalion, under command of Sterling Price; proceeded to
Chihuahua, and garrisoned the place for about six months ; was mustered
out at Independence, Missouri, in 1848. He returned to Chester, and after a
short stay went to Mississippi, where he remained nearly four years, and accu-
mula'ed some money. In 1853 he returned, and in 1854 married Miss Martha
Ann, daughter of Michael Montrueul. She was born in Randolph County,
Her mother was a native of Maine, and her father of French extraction.
After their marriage they moved to Perry County, where Mr. Webb en¬
gaged in farming. In 1864 he removed to his farm in Jackson County,
where he now lives. They have had a family of six children, four sons and
two daughters, all living at home. They have all received a good education.
His two eldest, sons are now engaged in teaching. Mr Webb was a Demo¬
crat until 1860, when he identified himself with the Republican party, of
which he has ever since been an influential no mber. During the war he
was a patriotic and outspoken Union man. He has held the office of Justice
of the Peace for a number of years; but has rather avoided entering into
politics, preferring to be known (which he is) as a first-class agriculturalist. He
is one of the men who has by his own exertions risen from nothing to a position
of prominence and wealth, and has the reputatiou among his friends and
neighbors of being an honorable, high-raiuded gentleman.
Dr. GEORGE A. ROGERS, (Dec’d).
During his lifetime, one of the prominent physicians of Randolph and Jackson
Counties, was born in that State; long since noted for its learning and piety.
We refer to the old Bay State, (Massachusetts). Born on the natal day of
the republic, July 4th, 1824. He was the son of Dr- John Rogers, who
practiced in Massachusetts for many years, and in 1832 moved to Waterloo,
Monroe County. He was quite a noted physician, being a graduate of three
colleges, among which were McDowell’s College, St. Louis. Dr. George A.
Rogers had good opportunities for early culture, and by assiduous indus¬
try, became a man of considerable literary attainments. During his
earlier years he taught a high school, as well as pursuing his studies under
the care of his father, and in due time graduated from McDowell’s Medical
College, St. Louis, engaged in the practice at Waterloo, and subsequently
married a daughter of Rev. Atlas Moore, a Baptist clergyman. They had
four children, only one of whom is now living, a son, Omer I. Rogers.
Mrs. Rogers died May 11th, 1858, and on the 21st of December, 1862^
Dr. R., married Mrs. Sarah Jane Tomes, the widow of the esteemed Florence
Tomes, of Pittsburg, Pa. In 1869, Mrs. Tomes settled at a place known as
Crystal City, Jefferson County, Missouri, with her father and mother.
By her first husband, Mrs. Rogers has one son, Alonzo W. Tomes. Dr.
Rogers and wife had born to them, four children, two deceased, and one boy
and one girl are yet liviug. Almost immediately after their marriage, Dr.
R. and wife moved on the farm where she still resiues. They subsequently
lived for a time at Rockwood and Ellis Grove, where he enjoyed quite an
extensive practice, afterwards retired to the home place a’ Campbell Hill,
where his death occurred November 6tb, 1874, of h-art disease. The Dr.
and wife were both members of the Missionaiy Baptist Church.
In politics, be was a Republican, and a warm friend of the union cause
during the late civil war. Dr. Rogers was in mauy respects a remarkable
man. A gentleman of fine literary culture, and excellent professional quali
fications.
JESSE MORGAN.
The subject of our sketch was the third child of Enoch and Mary Mor¬
gan, both natives of Virginia, Fairfax County: they moved to Kenton
County, Kentucky, and were married and continued to live there until their
death, both of whom lived to the advanced age of ninety years or upwards.
Mr. Morgan and wife had born to them, ten children, several of whom are
still living at a ripe old age. The subject of our sketch, Jesse, was married
in Kenton County, Kentucky, to Cassandria Sanders, January 15th, 1823.
Two children were born of this union, Enoch and Joshua, both are dead, the
latter dying in the Mexican army, under General Zach Taylor, near Buena
Vista. Mr. Morgan’s first wife dying in June, 1827, he was again married
in November 1831, to Maria Adams; she has presented him with twelve
children ; eight are still living at and near the old homestead.
Mr. Morgan came from Kentucky by boat to Chester, from there to Brad¬
ley township, where he now lives ; to use his owm words, he was “ about flat,”
when he commenced life on his own account, now he has one of the best
wheat farms in Jackson County.
In politics, he is one of the old type of Jackson Democrats, and glories in
it : although a staunch party man, he has never sought office, preferring
rather to make his mark as a good and successful farmer.
We find him at the age of seventy-six ( he being born January 2(>th, 1802)
a hale, hearty gentleman, one of those generous, hospitable men, once so
plentiful in Kentucky and Virginia.
During our late rebellion he spared one of bis sons for the defense of the
country. He was attached to General Buel’s command, and served with
honor to himself and credit to his family.
Major THOMAS J. CROSS
Was born in Jackson County, August 10th, 1840. He is the youngest of a
family of ten children (six of whom are still living), of Arthur and Millie
Hollman Cross. Arthur Cross is a native of Virginia, aud of English de-
; scent. He went to Tennessee when fourteen years of age and resided with
an uncle. His father died while he was quite young. His mother survived
her husband and lived to the venerable age of one hundred aud twelve years,
and died in Virginia. He met and was married, in Tennessee, to Mrs. Holl¬
man. About the year 1815 he emigrated to the territory of Illinois, and settled
on the farm now owned and occupied by his son Thomas J. Cross, in what is
now Bradley Township. In 1813 he enlisted under Gen. Jackson in the
Creek Indian War, and was engaged in the battle of Talladega. Nov. 8th,
1813, he was under command of Col. Samuel Lauderdale. He was also in the
campaign of 1814, and was mustered out with the rest of his regiment, August,
1814. Mr. Cross was always engaged in farming, in which he met such suc¬
cess as could be expected in those days, when everything had to be literally
dug out of the ground. In a day before science and mechanics had come to
the farmer’s aid in assisting him to make the generous soil yield a yet more
bountiful harvest. And in elevating the character of the business and those
following it, until the time has come, when the successful and educated farm¬
er takes high rank among his brethren in the other learned professions. In
religious faith he was a Baptist, in politics a Democrat. Thomas J. Cross
had but few advantages during his youth ; but he had what was perhaps
better, a strong desire to learn. And as is always the case with men so con¬
stituted, he profited more by the limited advantages he had, than many young
men who spend a respectable life-time in schools aud colleges. He attended
the High School at Chester, Illinois, during one summer, aud the one at Nash¬
ville, Illinois, during one winter. In the summer of 1861 he commenced
teaching, and taught three terms in the public schools of Kinkaid Township.
He enlisted August, 1862, in company C, 18th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers)
and was mustered in at Camp Yates the following September. The regiment
shortly after went to Jackson, Tennessee, where they were mounted, and
speut the winter skirmishing. Here Mr. Cross was taken ill ; upon his re¬
covery he was placed on detached duty, where he continued until after the
fall of Vicksburg, when the regiment was ordered to Arkansas. In Septem¬
ber, Gen. Steele in command of the Union Army, moved from Helena, de¬
feated Marmaduke, and drove Price out of Little Rock. During this time
Mr. Cross was on detached service at Memphis In 1863 he joined his regi-
106
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, , ILLINOIS.
ment at a village near Little Rock, and was promoted to Sergeant Major,
and shortly after commissioned 1st Lieutenant of company G, at this time
doing garrison duty at Little Rock. July, 1865, he was commissioned Ma¬
jor, and subsequently acted as Assistant Adjutant General under Gen. Steele.
They left Pine Bluff. December 16th, for Springfield, Illinois, where they
were mustered out January 6th, 1866. Major Cross then returned to his
home in Jackson County, and resumed teaching, which he continued in until
1873, when he engaged in farming. May 11, 1872, he married Miss Minnie,
daughter of David Carson, of Randolph County, Illinois. They have had
two children, Arthur Goulsby and Ethan Allen. Mrs. Cross is a member of
the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Cross early became an adherent and suppor¬
ter of the Republican party, and cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln.
He is now identified as one of its most influential members in his locality, and
is a member of the County Central Committee. Pie is a member of the Ma¬
sonic Lodge at Shiloh Hill, of which he was master for three years. Mr.
Cross is still a young man, but his life has been one of untiring energy and
industry. He has been an eminently successful man, whether it be as an
agriculturist, a disseminator of knowledge, or as a valiant and patriotic sol¬
dier, and one who will leave his impress in the community of which he is a
distinguished and respected member.
JAMES DOWNEN
Was born in Posey County, Ind., October 20th, 1812. He is the sou of
Timothy and Jane Downeu, both of whom were natives of South Carolina.
Timothy Downen was a so!d:er of 1812, and fought at the battle of Tippe¬
canoe. under General Harrison, where he was severely wounded. James
Downen, the subject of our sketch, was the fourth of ten children, nearly all
of whom are dead. He was married in 1833 to Lucreca Cully. She died
the same year. In 1835 he was married to Jane Cully, a sister of his former
wife. Six children were born to them by this union, viz.: Rachel, Rebecca,
L misa, Cornelius, George T., and Jane, all of whom are still living near the
old homestead.
Mrs Jane Downen died in 1849, leaving her husband again alone. He
remained single about a year, when he again married. This time he was
united to Mrs. Lavina H. Dunlap. They had born to them six children,
five of whom are still living — Emma, Mary, Ann, John, and William.
Mr. Downen came to Illinois from Indiana in 1835, and settled in Jackson
County ; bought a farm, and commenced to work it at once, encountering
all the trials and hardships of a pioneer in a new country, with that energy
and zeal for which he has ever been noted, and which afterwards made him
one of Jackson County’s best farmers. Iu politics Mr. Downen is a staunch
Republican ; and believing, as he does, the principles of that party to be
right, lie never splits his ticket.
Hi s son, George T. Downen, was born in Jackson County, Illinois, Dec.
5th, 1842. He was married Dec. 19, 1867, to Virginia C. White, she bear¬
ing hint one child, Albert J. She died Nov. 1, 1871. He was again married,
Aug. 29, 1872, to Miss Emily L. Steele. Of three children born to them,
they have but one left, J. Madison, a bright little fellow.
Mr. Downen commenced life with nothing but health and energy. Soon
after getting married he settled on the farm, in Bradley township. Politi¬
cally he votes with the Democratic party.
WILLIAM MOHLENBROCK
Is a native of Bremen, Germany, and was born June 13, 1834. Pie is the
third of four children of Ludwig and Dortha Mohleubrock. Herman
Mohlenbrock, the grandfather of William, was a native of Amsterdam,
Holland, but spent most of his life at sea, as a captain, in the East Indies.
Ludwig Mohlenbrock was a soldier iu the Spanish war. William had
rather a good opportunity for gaining an education. At the age of fourteen
he became an apprentice to learn the dry goods business. When eighteen
he volunteered as a soldier, and served three years iu regular service, and was
then sent to Bremen Haven, garrisoned at Fort William, where he remained
six months, when he emigrated to America, landing at New York city, and
the following winter went to St. Louis. From there he moved to Red Bud,
Randolph County, and became salesman in a store, where he remained until
1861, when the rebellion broke out, and at President Lincoln’s call for
seventy-five thousand men he raised a company, and was elected Captain,
which position he declined, and went, according to his own language, “ as a
high private in the rear rank,” to the city of Cairo, where he drilled the
company.
Afterwards he re-enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry, and
was promoted to second sergeant.
He participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged. At
Fort Donaldson he received two flesh wounds, and .a short time after was
taken prisoner at Athens; but by sharp maiueuvring he and a comrade
effected an escape, reaching the Union line in about ten days. During this
time he was commissioned to the rank of Second Lieutenant, which position
he retained until he was discharged in 1864 at Springfield.
He was married October 28, 1864, to Miss Minna Ivromer, of Randolph
' County, Illinois, by which union they have had seven children, one of whom
is dead, and four boys and two girls yet living.
Mr. Mohlenbrock spent one winter at Red Bud iu the brewery business.
In April, 1865, he came to Jackson County, locating iu the northern part of
Bradley township, where he opened a general store.
In March, 1874, he laid out a town, and gave it the name of Campbell
( Hill. He built a mill here in 1875, and is now engaged iu the milling and
1 grain business.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Mohlenbrock
has always been a member of the Republican party. Ho is considered
among the first and most energetic business men of Jackson County.
DANIEL G. WILL.
Among the old residents of Jackson County may be mentioned the name
of Daniel G. Will, who was born March 27, 1822, in Somerset County,
Pennsylvania. He is the fifth child of Peter and Mary Will, who were both
natives of Schuylkill County, Pa., and were both of German parentage. In
the spring of 1836 Peter Will moved with his family to Sangamon County,
Illinois, and in the autumn of the same year settled on a tract of land which
he purchased, in what is now known as Somerset township, in Jackson
County. His farm was located about three miles north of Murphysboro’.
He resided there until his death, August, 1860. In politics he was a Whig.
Mr. Will and wife were both members of the Lutheran Church. During
his residence in Pennsylvania he represented his district in the Legislature,
and took a prominent part in assisting to pass the bill which created the free
school system in his native State. His widow survived his death until July
20, 1877.
Daniel G., when a boy, was principally educated in the district schools of
Somerset County, Pa. He was between 14 and 15 years of age when his
parents moved to Illinois. On the 21st April, 1844, he was married to
Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Kinnnel, of Elkville, Jackson County. They
have had born to them seven children, two of whom are deceased. Their
son, William A., is married and settled on a farm near Ava, in Levan
township. The balance of their children reside at home. Soon after his
marriage Mr. Will purchased a farm in De Soto township, and resided there
i until the spring of 1848, when he bought and moved on the farm, where he
i now resides, in (7-5) Bradley township.
In early life Mr. Will and wife were members of the Lutheran Church,
and there being no denomination of that kind in their neighborhood they
I joined in 1870 the Presbyterian Church at Shiloh Hill. In politics he was
first a Whig; but on the formation of the Republican party he became iden-
tifisd with its principies. Mr. Will is a man whose reputation is unsullied
by any dishonorable act. He ranks among the leading and well-to-do
farmers of his township.
JESSE H. WARD, Esq.,
Or Bradley Township, is a native of Alabama ; born Jan. 15th, 1824, and was
the fifth of nine children of George and Elizabeth Ward, who were both na¬
tives of the above State. Mr. Ward was descended from German and Eng¬
lish ancestry, his wife of English and Irish extraction. In the year 1830,
Mr. Ward sLarted with his family on an overland trip, by wagon, for Illinois,
and located in that portion of Franklin County since comprised in a part of
Williamson County, where he engaged in farming, and lived there until his
death, which occurred five years afterwards. In 1837 Mrs. Ward moved
with her family to Jackson County, and settled in Levan Township, at a
place near old Brownsville. She subsequently married Adam Youngraan.
She is still living (now making her home with her son Jesse) and enjoying
reasonable health, at the advanced age of eighty-six years.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
107
Jesse Ward, when a boy, had limited opportunities for gaining an educa¬
tion, but at the writing of this, we find him to be a man considerably versed
in the current events of the day. When about the age of eighteen years, he
set out to do for himself, being always industrious and economical. On the
21st day of January, 1842, he married Miss Nancy Murden, daughter of
David Murden, one of the old settlers of Jackson Couuty. She was born in
Kentucky, and came to Illinois with her parents when quite young. Nine
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ward, two of whom are deceased. Of
those living may be mentioned, Francis Marion, married, and resides in
Bradley Township; David Ward is also married, and settled a short dis¬
tance from the old homestead ; Emeline, the wife of George M. Davis, also
residents of this Township ; Jane is the wife of Henry Payne, and living in
Texas; Gyrene is the wife of Jefferson Wheatley, their home being at Cut¬
ler, Perry County, Illinois ; Jesse E. aud Nancy Elizabeth, the two latter
living at home with their parents. After his marriage, Mr. Ward still con¬
tinued farming, and in the fall of 1855 he purchased and moved on the farm
where he now resides, situated two and a half miles south of Campbell Hill.
His is among the best improved farms of the Township. He and his excel¬
lent wife have both been members of the Baptist Church for about ten years.
Mr. Ward is a man who stands high with his neighbors, as a man of fair
dealing and scrupulously honest in the every-day transactions of his life ;
and among other things which will attest the confidence reposed in him, we
may mention the fact that he has, by re-election, been c.ontiuued in the re¬
sponsible office of Justice of the Peace, and is now Police Magistrate of the
Town of Campbell Hill. In politics he has always been a staunch supporter
of the principles of the Democratic party, and always makes it a point to
support the nominees of his party, thereby securing, if possible, its success.
His first vote for President was cast for James Iv. Polk, and he has never
missed voting at a presidential election since. He can certainly be regarded
as among the influential men of his party in his County. His eldest son,
Francis M., served for a time as a soldier during the late war.
The success of Mr. Ward in the business affairs of life has beeu gradually,
step by step, upwards, and his record as a man of sound judgment in business
matters, has always been excellent. He commenced life with hardly any
money, and his accumulations have been the result of persistent and indefa¬
tigable exertions, united with honesty and integrity. Besides carrying on a
large farm, he is engaged in buying grain and selling agricultural implements.
In taking a review of his life, he can justly be called a self-made man.
SOMERSET TOWNSHIP.
OMERSET TOWNSHIP, in Jackson County, Illinois, was so
named from Somerset County, Pennsylvania, the reason being
that nearly all the older settlers of this township were originally
from this County, aud consequently the older people are of the
class commonly called “Pennsylvania Dutch.” With the usual thrift of
such people they have cleared out many fine farms, and now this Township
holds the palm in agricultural products, more especially the cereals. The
surface of the country is generally comparatively level, although there is
enough diversity to give it a healthful drainage. Originally this Township
was covered with vast forests of valuable timber, consisting of poplar, oak,
walnut, and maple in great abundance as lumber producing, and the hickory,
ash, gum, etc., of less imporfance, as lumber producers. At an early day
mills were brought into this Township, and have since been at work sawing
up the lumber trees, until at the present waiting there are very few trees of
any considerable size growing in the Township. The greater part of the
Township is now under cultivation, and produces more wheat and corn in
proportion to the area, than any other Township in the County.
Somerset Township, like almost all the eastern part of the County, is un¬
derlaid with coal at no great depth from the surface. The quality of the coal
is unsurpassed, and the vein is from 7 to 9 feet in thickness. A few years
back moneyed men came into this Township and purchased or leased great
areas of coal lands. In some cases they purchased top and bottom, in others
purchased the coal, and in still other cases they only leased the coal, agree¬
ing to pay a certain per cent, on the amount of coal, and agreeing to take out
a certain amount per week. The Gartside Coal Compauy have opened four
shafts all equipped with the proper engines and hoisting apparatus. The
Lewis Coal Compauy have leased the land of Mr. Samuel Bouscher, and
opened thereon a shaft and furnished it with proper machinery. They have
also leased and purchased mauy acres of land from other parties. Coke
ovens have been opened up on the farm of Mr. Bouscher, and large amounts
of money are put in circulation through this influence.
As before stated, the early settlers of Somerset were mostly from Pennsyl¬
vania. In January of 1314, Jefferson Holliday reached the bank of Big
Muddy River, three miles east of the site of Murphysboro’. He hewed out
a clearing, and his sons followed, making now one of the finest farms. His son
Steqthen is now an old man living in Murphysboro’, respected and trusted by
all. Mr. and Mrs- Holliday were natives of Virginia. With Mr. Holliday
were James Hall, William Gill, William Doty, Benjamin Henderson, George
and Edward Schwartz, and David Holliday. In 1817 came the parents of
the Will family, which is one of great numbers, respect, and influence in
Somerset Township, and their combined farm products probably exceed
those of any other family in the County. They have their farms stocked
with all the modern improvements in farm machinery. Later came the
Kimmels and the Griffiths, who have worked with great success, and their
descendants are yet influential inhabitants of Somerset. Whipkey is also a
name of some importance, and indicates thrift. The Bouschers are a numer¬
ous and wealthy people, aud own farm laud in great importance.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
GEORGE B. COREY
Was the son of Levi and Sarah Corey. Levi Corey was a native of Massa¬
chusetts, and his ancestors were also natives of that State. The subject of
this sketch, was born in Worcester County, Massachusetts, August 10th, 1831.
His father was a merchant, and he was brought up in the village of Ashburn-
hara. He had very good advantages for receiving an education. At the
age of sixteen, he went into a drug store to learn the drug business ; he
remained two years, and at the age of eighteen, he commenced work in a
chair manufactory. After two years’ work at that business, he returned to the
drug business, which he followed for three years. After the expiration of
that time, he started west ; being in the spring of 1857, he traveled about
during the spring and summer, and in the fall, he located in De Soto. He
was in the employ of J. M. Hanson & Son, about two years. He was Deputy
County Clerk, under Thomas Hall one year. February 28th, 1861, he was
united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Friedliue. They have a family of three
children, Addie F., Kate B. and Sarah L.
August 1st, 1862, he enlisted in the late war. He was a member of Com¬
pany K. 73d Illinois. He was hospital steward the whole time, with the
exception of six months. He was discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, July
9th, 1N6"j, at the close of the war. Mr. Corey owns a fine farm of 280 acres>
in the uorth-east part of Somerset township. He also, owns a one-third in¬
terest in the Murphysboro’ City Mills. He is superintendent at the Mills.
Politically he was a Democrat ; before our great national struggle in 1862)
he abandoned the party, and since has become an active worker in the Re¬
publican ranks. He has energy, industry and pluck; looks upon the bright
side, and is determined to make life a success.
SAMUEL BOUSCHER
Was the son of Henry and Elizabeth Bouscher. His paternal and mater¬
nal ancestry were of German origin. He was born iu Somerset County,
Pennsylvania, February 28th, 1814; lived at home during his minority,
working on the farm, attending the district school a few winter terms. He
was married October 15th, 1837, to Miss Catharine Enos, a worthy and
agreeable companion, a native of the same County, and also German descent.
They have a family of eight children, five girls and three boys, viz : Mary
Aun, now the wife of D. Kimmel. Arsana, Rebecca, now the wife of George
G. Will, Albina, now the wife of Joseph Imhoff, Emma Florence, Dalthula
Alfreta, now living at home. William H. married Miss Mary Henson and
now lives in Murphysboro’. Jonathan E. married Miss Harriet Caststeel,
now farming in Levan township. Albert Madison, now living at home.
In 1838, Mr. Bouscher emigrated from Pennsylvania, and settled in Jack-
son County, near old Brownsville; after residing at that place two years, he
moved on the north-east quarter of section 29, iu what is now Somerset town¬
ship, whe^e he has sinceresided. He entered his land in 1838. After enter¬
ing his land, he was left without any means to improve it, and with one
horse he went to work to make a home ; built a cabin, and by his own hands
he cleared the most of the quarter. He had a neighbor that had one horse
only, and by turns they would work the team. His first taxes paid to the
County Collector, amounted to ten cents. He paid it and took a receipt for
the same. He now owns a fine farm, besides several other tracts of land in
the County. Mr. Bouscher may be termed a lucky man in making his selec¬
tion in settling where he did : although he made a good choice in land for
farm purposes, there was, underlying the whole tract of land, a solid coal
bed of seven foot in thickness, which has since been developed. A shaft was
sunk on his place by Mr. Lewis, in the year 1873. Mr. Lewis pays Mr.
Bouscher a royalty of twelve and a-half cents per ton for the coal alone that
lay hidden in the depths of the earth. The miner’s rule for measuring coal,
108
is that in a square mile equal to one section of coal one foot thick : there are
one million tons of coal. Mr. Bouscher owns a quarter section; therefore, to
estimate the number of tons of coal under the quarter section, we take one-
quarter of a million, which is two hundred and fifty thousand ; multiplying
this number by seven, the thickness of the coal bed, the product will be the
number of tons under the land, which is one million seven hundred and fifty
thousand tons, at twelve and a-half cents per ton royalty, amounts to two
hundred and eighteen thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars. Suppose by
waste, there is but one-half of the coal taken out, he will have the snug little
sum of one hundred and four thousand three hundred and seventy-five
dollars for the coal that underlies his laud ; a nice little fortune to find by
chance. All this coal is of easy access by rail to the very doors of the fur¬
naces of the East St. Louis manufactories.
Politically, he is a Republican. Religiously, he and his wife are members
of the Lutheran Church. He is exact iu his financial transactions, and not
prodigal with his means. With his social qualities and his natural and
acquired abilities, he is destined to make life a success.
W. H. DAVIS
Was the son of Amos and Ruth Davis. Amos Davis’s father was a native
of Wales, aud a sea captain. Mr. Davis’s maternal ancestry were of Scotch
Irish origin. The subject of this sketch was born in Floyd County, In¬
diana. He was the fourth child of a family of seven children. He was
raised on a farm, and at the age of sixteen his father bound him as an ap¬
prentice to learn the blacksmith trade under Jacob Sheets, of his native
County. After serving three years, he acted as foreman of the shop one
year. He then went to Louisville, Kentucky, and took chai'ge of a shop in
that city. After about four months the shop w’as destroyed by fire. He was
then out of employment and he thought he would try his fortunes farther
west. He took a boat from Louisville, for St. Joseph, Missouri, near Cairo.
The ice became so troublesome the boat was obliged to lay up. He then
started overland for St. Louis on foot. Arriving at Jonesboro’ he ironed four
wagons — in order to recuperate his “exchequer” — he then started on his
journey, determined to gain St. Louis. On arriving at Brownsville, he met
with Phenies C. Hall, a farmer of this County. As his funds were low, he
engaged to work for Mr. Hall at his trade on his farm — this being in the
year 1839 — after a year’s work, he gained by his industry, frugality and in¬
tegrity the confidence of his employer, and what was better, the love and af¬
fection of his daughter, Miss Elvira. They were united in marriage, and had
a family of three children born to them, viz. : Amos H., John L. , and Elvira
Elizabeth. The latter only lived to the age of thirteen. John L., is married,
and lives on part of the old homestead. Amos H., lives at home. Mr.
Davis’s partner in life, died Nov. 11th, 1848. He was again united in mar¬
riage to Miss Elizabeth Crow, April, 1873. After Mr. Davis’s first mar¬
riage he continued to work at his trade. He also bought land, and improved
a farm, and he now owns two fiue farms, one of 640 and the other of 320
acres, in Somerset Township. He also owns several other tracts of land in this
and Randolph Counties. During the years 1855 and 1856, he kept a gen¬
eral store in De Soto, this County. His annual sales amounted to 816,000 —
he also packed pork one year for Pool, of Shawneetowu — he sold, his store
to J. M. Campbell, of Carbondale. Mr. Davis has been one of the most
enterprising farmers in the County. He owned the first pair of mules that
was ever worked in the County, and was the first to introduce the reaper,
and wheat drill into Jackson County. Opposite his name in every enterprise,
social, moral or financial, may be written the unfailing word — success. Mr.
Davis stands six feet three inches in figure. He is tall aud naturally erect,
but yields under the severe pressure of the labor of years. He is adapted to
Among the representative self-made men of Somerset township, none stand forth more
conspicuously than does Robert A. Beasley. Although not one of the first settlers in
the township, yet by great industry, coupled with sound practical economy and excellent
judgment, he has rightfully assumed a place with the largest farmers and most substan¬
tial business men of the County. As exhibiting an example worthy the emulation of
all, particularly the young, we herewith present a brief sketch of Mr. Beasley’s life and
character, feeling as though the history of Somerset township would be incomplete
without a notice of that gentleman.
Itobt. A. Beasley was born in Davies's Prairie, Franklin County, that portion which
has since been formed into Williamson County, Illinois, October 1st, 1832, being the
eldest child of the late venerable Joseph Beasley, and Jane Teel his wife. Mr. Beasley
was one of the early pioneers of Southern Illinois, born near Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
He continued to reside under the paternal roof until he grew to the years of manhood,
when he married, and the next day set out with his young bride for Illinois, which was
destined to be his future home and his place of burial. The trip was accomplished after
the usual discomforts, and toils of such a long journey through the then wilderness,
where the ax of the woodman had not yet marred the sombre shades of the forest. The
mode of conveyance was a one-horse Conestoga wagon, about the only vehicle there in
use in those early days in the then western wilds. He was a life-long Democrat and a
member of the Methodist ' Church. After living for a time in Franklin county, he
moved to and settled on a farm in De Soto township, Jackson County, where his death
occurred in the year 1873. His widow yet survives, residing at the old homestead. It is
here fitting that we should make some mention of the father of Joseph, and the grand¬
father of Robert A. Beasley. Ephraim Beasley and wife were both born in the state of
South Carolina. He took an active part in the war of the Revolution, and did what he
could to assist in founding the then cradle of liberty. A country, which has since grown
in magnitude to be the first nation in the civilized world, in all that combines and con¬
stitutes the elements of true greatness, she stands pre-eminent; furnishing an asylum for
the oppressed of every clime. He carried the honored scars of that sacred conflict to
his grave. His death occurred when he had reached the advanced age of eiglity-four
years. How his noble old heart must have palpitated with honest pride, when near
death’s door, he turned and looked back through the dim vista of years gone by,
and beheld the progress, the development, and the power of the great nation, he so
willingly shed his blood to help inaugurate, that his children, and his grand-children,
and great-grand-children, of all succeeding generations might enjoy. (Space will not
permit) yet our pen never tires in eulogizing those noble patriots, who so valiantly fought
in the ever memorable conflict of 1776. His beloved and esteemed wife lived to be one
hundred and four years of age. lie descended from a hardy branch of the Anglo-Saxon
race, and bis wife was of Teutonic origin.
The education of Robert A., when a boy, is more due to his assiduous application at
night by die light of the wood-fire in the cheerful old-fashioned fire-place, than to any
opportunities at school, us that was very limited; and in those boyish days, so diligent
was he in his efforts to learn, that he garnered in the store-house of his mind such an
amount of knowledge as has been of service to him in all the practical details of life.
On the 28th September, 1855, “ he took unto himself a help-mate,” Miss Catherine O.,
the daughter of Mr. R. R. Reese, a well-known farmer of Jackson County. Eight
children were born to them (three of whom are now deceased). In 1859, Mr. Beasley
engaged in merchandising at De Soto, for five years. He then located on the farm,
where Andrew Remian lives in Levan township, sold that place in 1870, and then moved
to his home farm where he now resides, on Sec. 25, Somerset township; a fine view
of which appears elsewhere in this work. Besides carrying on his farm, he owns and
operates a flouring mill at De Soto ; he has always been active and energetic in
business, and what he turns his attention to, he generally makes succeed. For the last
two years he has been President of the Jackson County Agricultural Society, and re¬
elected as one of the directors for the next two years. In I860 Mr. Beasley was elected
justice of the peace, and held the office four years. Previous to being justice of the
peace, he served two years as deputy-sheriff under the administration of Joseph H.
Reeves, and when Jackson County went under township organization, he was elected
collector for Somerset township. In the fall of 1875 he was elected as one of the board
of county commissioners, and the last year made chairman of the board. Under his
administration, they have built and repaired the court-house, a thing long needed, and
one that will redound greatly to the energy and foresight of the commissioners, as well
as to the citizens of the County. They have now a ‘ emple of justice, which does honor
to the wealth and prominence of “ Old Jackson,” as one of the leading counties of
Southern Illinois. He is a staunch Democrat in politics and an active worker for the
success of the Democratic party, and owing to his popularity as a man of sound judg¬
ment, we be speak for him, in the not distant future, still higher positions in the gifts of
his party ; besides his other duties, he has found time to devote to the advancement
and culture of hiB family. He is also a member of the Baptist Church, and of the order
of Odd- Fellows, and has also been trained under the ennobling tenets of the mystic order
of Masons ; being at this time a Sir Knight.
.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
109
active life, ie endowed with great physical power, and is capable of enduring
severe, and prolonged exertion of body and mind. His whole system is cha¬
racterized by strength and toughness; is capable of great endurance and ca¬
pacity for work. It may be seen how a poor boy possessed with firmness of
purpose, and good resolves, may rise from obscurity to be a man of wealth,
influence and distinction.
N. T. EAKIN
Was born in what is now Somerset Township of this County, March 2d,
1825. When about thirteen years of age his father died, and the running
of the farm devolved on him and his twin brother ; consequently his educa¬
tion was very limited, although in after life he applied himself, and by his
energy and determination he acquired sufficient education to transact most
any ordinary business. William Eakin, the father of the subject of this
sketch, was one of the early pioneers of Jackson County. He emigrated
from Virginia in the year 1817, and settled near old Brownsville. He had
a family of a wife and one child ; he also brought a slave from Virginia to
thi3 County. He inherited slaves, and when he started west he sold them
all but thig one, and he begged the privilege of remaining with his old
master. He was taken sick, and died about six months after his arrival in
this County. William Eakin, lived near old Brownsville about one year,
when he bought out a settler in what is now Somerset Township, where he
moved — the place was partly improved — he raised a family of five children,
and died in the year 1838, where Mr. Eakin now resides. His partner in
life followed him in the year 1856. The subject of our sketch was united in
marriage May 4th, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Latta, a daughter of Dr. Latta,
of Murphysboro’. They have a family of three girls, viz. : Ida Anette, Min¬
nie Bell and Maud Evaliu ; they are living at home with their parents Mr.
Eakin has a fine farm of 400 acres, where he resides, and enough of this
world’s goods to ease his declining years. Politically, he has been a Republi¬
can since the death of the old Whig party. He acts from principle, and is
guided in his choice of men and party by reason as well as association. He
will drive a close bargain, is honest in his declarations, has a large, generous
soul, and is deserving of the good-will bestowed upon him by those who are
most familiar with his daily life.
CHRISTIAN SNYDER (deceased).
Dewalt Snyder, the father of the subject of this biography, came when
quite young, with his parents, from Germany. The family settled in Penn¬
sylvania, where Mr. Snyder grew up and was married, and where his son
Christian was born on the 31st of January, 1821. Few boys in those days
had the opportunity of attending good schools, and Christian Snyder was not
an exception. But realizing the importance of acquiring useful knowledge,
he availed himself of every chance that he had, and succeeded in gaining a
good elementary education. On the 11th of May, 1843, when twenty-two
years of age, he married Miss Elizabeth Jane Saylor, daughter of Jacob W
and Lucy Ann Saylor, who were residents of Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
Mr. and Mrs. Snyder had a family of ten children, seven of whom are living,
and were born in the following order : Louisa, wife of James Ernhoff ; Elias
J. ; Agnes, wife of Samuel A. Gray; Minerva, wife of Augustus Ernhoff;
Aaron, Mary, and William, the three latter still residing with their mother.
In the spring of 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Snyder with their family left Somerset
County, going by wagon to Pittsburgh, and thence down the Ohio and up
the Mississippi Rivers to Chester, and from there by wagon to Jackson
County, and located about three miles from where they now reside. Louisa,
Elias, and Agnes were born in Pennsylvania ; the remainder of the family in
this county.
Mr. Snyder immediately commenced farming operations, which he con¬
tinued during his life. Early in life he became a member of the Lutheran
Church. In politics he was a staunch Republican. He enlisted in February,
1864, in Company K, Marine Regiment, U. S. Volunteers, and was honor¬
ably discharged at Vicksburg on the 21st of January, 1865. During his
term of service he was for a considerable time sick. He died, after a very
brief illness, at his residence, April 3d, 1877, of pneumonia.
He started in life with little, but an honest and settled determination to
succeed, which he did. In his death the community lost an honored and
valuable member. To his wife and family his loss is simply irreparable.
Mrs. Snyder has now to fill both a father and mother’s place in rearing and
educating her children. May they all live to gladden her heart and smooth
the road in her now lonely journey through life.
HENRY IMHOFF
Was born in Somerset Couuty, Pennsylvania, July 5,1836. He was the
son of Andrew and Eliza Imhoff. Andrew Imhoff was a native of Penn-
•sylvannia. In the spring of 1853 he emigrated to this County, and settled in
Levan township. He now lives in Somerset township. The subject of our
sketch was brought up on a farm. At the age of seventeen his father placed
him in a blacksmith’s shop to learn a trade. He served at his trade three
years, then worked journeyman for the same man one year. Then he turned
his face westward, and settled in Jackson Couuty. He arrived in this Couuty
a poor man, not having money enough to btfy himself a set of tools ; but by
his own industry he now owns and conducts a fine farm, in connection with
which he runs a blacksmith and wagon shop, where the best of wagons are
manufactured. He also owns a steam threshing-machine. During the
winter months he runs a saw mill with his threshing power. His facilities
for receiving an educational training when young were very limited, three
months being all the schooling he received. As he advanced in years he
began to realize the great and many disadvantages under which he was
laboring from the want of an education, and realizing the urgent necessity
of having such, he applied himself diligently to study, and by so doing, aided
greatly by experience, he succeeded in gaining in after years what was de¬
nied him in youth — a fair education.
He was united in marriage, November 9, 1858, to Miss Mary M. Young,
a native also of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. They have a family of
four children, viz. : William Henry, Eleuoria, Martin Luther, and Charles
Andrew.
Politically, Mr. Imhoff is a Democrat, very liberal in his views in voting
for county officers. He lays party aside, and casts his vote for the man or
men he thinks best fitted for the position. Religiously, he and his wife are
members of the Lutheran Church. In conclusion, Mr. Imhoff may be relied
upon as a sterling business man, quiet in his demeanor, and charitable where
there exists any just claim. Truthful, honorable, and reliable, he is a fair
type of the successful business men of the West.
R . R. REES
Was the son of Hampton and Catharine Rees. In the year 1815, Hamp¬
ton Rees with his family emigrated from Christian County, Kentucky, and
settled in the Territory of Illinois, in what is now Jackson County, about
one mile from the present location of Carbondale. He resided at this place
about three years, when he moved into what is now Perry County, and
settled on a small creek which bears his name, near De Quoin, where he
raised his cabin on Rees Creek. The settlers were so sparse that they came
a distance of twenty miles to assist in the work. The country was then a
“ wilderness.” During these early days there was much suffering by the few
adventurers on account of the difficulty experienced in getting supplies.
Their nearest market of any importance was St. Louis, and the only means
of communication was by a steamboat, a very crude vessel in those days,
small, and stern-wheel, not comparable with the princely palaces of a later
date. The State is now intersected by railroads and telegraph-lines in every
direction, and civilization has taken a wonderful stride toward the more
perfect development of our resources in the near future. The subject of our
sketch was born in Christian County, Kentucky, April 17th, 1814. His
father died in 1823-, leaving him an orphan. He was then taken back
to Kentucky by his grandfather. He lived with his grandfather and uncle
until the age of fifteen, when he started in the world for himself, and he im¬
mediately started for his old neighborhood in Illinois. On arriving here
the second time, he hired to a farmer to do farm-labor, for four dollars per
month ; and as he began the world by honest and laborious toil, he has
fought it out on that line until now in his declining years he stands master
of the situation, Beginning a poor boy, he is now numbered among the
wealthy farmers of Jackson County. At the age of twenty-three he was
married to Miss Cyrena Thompson. She was a native of this State. They
had born to them a family of twelve children. She died in 1858. His
second wife, once Sarah Tinsley, is yet living, and has born her husband six
children. Politically, he is a Democrat ; religiously, he and his wife are
members of the Baptist church. And thus we close the record of one of the
industrious pioneers of Jackson County. What he has is the result of hard
labor, the cumulative proceeds on the earnings of a poor boy.
SAND RIDGE TOWNSHIP.
HE name indicates its own origin. It was first applied to a ridge,
and afterwards to the Township. Sand Ridge contains no village
or town. It is bounded on the North by Levan Township, on
the East by Murphysboro’, on the South by Big Hill, and on the
West by Big Lake. Big Muddy River enters it near the north-east corner,
and pursues a westward course till nearly half way across, when it bends
sharply to the south, and pursues its winding way in that direction till it
crosses the boundary of the Township. Near the centre is the confluence of
Kinkaid Creek with Muddy.
The first wheat raised in Jackson County was grown at Sand Ridge. This
Township contains some very rich bottom lands, admirably adapted to the
culture of maize, but subject to overflow occasionally. It has in abundance
the best kind of timber. Sand Ridge, in the Township, was anciently a burial-
place of the Aboriginal tribes, and skeletons and Indian relics are frequently
exhumed.
OLD SETTLERS.
The first settler was Captain Boon ; or Boone, as the name is variously
spe|led. He came as early as 1809. George Saddler, his employee, cleared
land on Sand Ridge and built a house for him as early as the date above
given Mr. Boon had a wife and three children, and a negro man, Peter.
Mr. Saddler, wife and son, lived near them ; also Mr. Saddler’s sou, Stephen,
a married man. Near the crossing on Kinkaid, where were then encamped
about sixty lodges of Kaskaskia Indians, lived Eben Glenu, wife and four
children. Tony Wadleigh lived with them. About the time of the breaking
out of the war of 1812, Stephen Jones settled in this Township.
The first school ever taught in Jackson County was at this place, viz., on
Saud Ridge, by John Aaron. He taught at the house of William Boon, by
whom he was employed. It was at this school that Benuingsen Boon, well
known to the older citizens of the County, learned his letters.
A fact relating to the Glenu family needs here to be stated. In addition
to the four children mentioned, Mr. Glenu had two grown sons, by a former
marriage, named Erving and Isaac. Erving was married before his arrival,
and Isaac married a daughter of John Byars. Erving moved away in 1817.
Isaac settled at the Bluff. Two of his children are yet living. Thomas and
William Taylor also deserve mention among the old settlers. They came
in 1813-’ 14 The first marriage was that of Isaac Glenn to Miss Byars.
James Worthen and family settled in this Township in 1809.
In 1815 Conrad Will came to work the salt mines, where Brownsville was
afterwards located by the Commissioners appointed for that purpose by the
Act of Territorial Legislature. He ^ouated twenty acres of land to the
County for its County-seat, which was called Brownsville. Mr. Will brought
his family with him from Kaska>kia. Before the manufacture of salt was
begun in this County, it was brought from the Ohio River on pack-horses.
Jesse Griggs, one of the members of the first County Commissioners’ Court,
moved to Brownsville in 1816. Among other early settlers, we mention
Timothy Nash, the Second Clerk of the County; William Wilson, the First
Clerk; Joel Mauing and A. M. Jenkins, two Teachers in Brownsville;
Chamberlain, and Hon. Sidney Breeze, who made his first pleading in
Brownsville, in ’23 or ’24, and failed ; and Michael Harmon, a carpenter.
For many years the voting was done viva voce at Brownsville, and two or
three days were usually allotted for an electiou, to enable all to get to the
polls Courad Will is buried at Brownsville, and Susanna, his wife, sleeps
at Sand Ridge. The name Sand Ridge was given to it in 1872.
BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES.
EDWARD WORTHEN.
The Worthen family is among the earliest settlers of Jackson County.
Edward Worthen was born in Sand Ridge Township, September 15, 1848.
He is the sixth of seven children of William and Mary Wortheu. His de¬
ceased brother, Captain David Worthen ’s biography may be seen elsewhere
in this work.
William Worthen was a native of South Carolina. He was born on the
banks of the Santee River, in December, 1799, and emigrated with his
parents in 1SU9 to the territory of Illinois, a decade before our great State was
born. They settled on a tract of land now comprised in Murphysboro’ Town¬
ship. When he grew to manhood he married Miss Mary Will, daughter of
the late Hon. Conrad Will, M.D., and here it is proper that we should make
some mention of Mr. Will. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born June 4,
1778, near Philadelphia. He was married toMissSusana Kimmel in 1804 ;
subsequently moved to Somerset County, Pa., and from there emigrated to
Illinois, coming via Ohio and Mississippi rivers by flat boat, landing at Kas¬
kaskia. After remaining at this point about one year, he came to Jackson
County, Ill., locating at Brownsville, where he practiced medicine, and en¬
gaged in manufacturing salt.
Mr- Will was a man of considerable ability, and gained for himself an
honorable record. He came to Brownsville in 1816. After Jackson County
was organized, he was for some time one of the County Commissioners, and
110
1 has also held several other important County oifices. He was a delegate to
the Constitutional Convention, which met at Kaskaskia, and framed the first
Constitution of the State of Illinois, and further honored by being elected
by the Whig party to the first Legislature in 1818, and by re-elections he
continued to represent the County until 1832, when, owing to his eminent
legislative qualifications, he was elected to the Senate, and continued a mem¬
ber of that honorable body until his death at Brownsville, June 11, 1834.
His widow survived him until 1857.
William Worthen, father of Edward Wortheu, was a man ot more than
average ability. In political principles he was a Democrat, having served
as Sheriff of the County for several terms, giving eminent satisfaction. When
out of office he employed his time in farming. He died at his residence,
November 5, 1854. His widow is yet living in the enjoyment, of good
health.
Edward Worthen, of whom we write, received his early culture in the
schools of Carbondale, obtaining a good English education. Mr. Worthen
represented his Township in the Board of County Supervisors for two terms,
and has for a time been Township Treasurer. In early life he became iden¬
tified with the principles of the Republican party, and acted with that party
until the spring of ’77, when he changed his views to the Greenback party,
and waa the same year chosen as their candidate for County Clerk.
He was married October 2, 1877, to Miss Maggie Ozburn. They are both
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Ill
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Worthen also belongs to
the Masonic Lodge and the order of Odd Fellows.
Taking a retrospective view of the life of our subject, we find for a man
who has led so short a life, one of honor for himself and a benefit to the
community.
Capt. DANIEL W. WORTHEN, (Dec’d.)
Among the early and prominent settlers of Sand Ridge Township, was the
subject of this memoir, who was born in Jackson County, March 4th, 1824 ;
was the second son of William and Mary Worthen, early pioneers of the County.
Daniel W. spent his earlier years assisting his father in carrying on the farm,
and remained there until the breaking out of the late civil war. In 1862 he
enlisted, and was elected 2d Lieutenant, and for meritorious services on the
field he was promoted and commissioned Captain of Company H, of 27th
Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, and served bravely on many an ensanguined
field until his terra of service expired. He participated in all the memora¬
ble engagements in which the 27th Regiment took part, and luckily received
only a slight wound from a grape-shot. His term of service ended, he re¬
turned home, and engaged in farming and carrying on a saw-mill, and subse¬
quently became one of the largest land owners in the County. On the 27th
day of April, 1865, Captain Worthen was married to Miss Lorena Whitson,
the daughter of Bery B. Whitson ; by that uniou they had born to them
four children, two of whom are deceased, and two daughters yet living, May
and Caroline. When quite a young man he joined the Lutheran Church,
and in early life was a Democrat, but after the breaking out of the war he
became a Republican, and remained one of its strong supports until his
death, which occurred on the 23d day of March, 1872, and his body now
rests in the family cemetery.
“ Host, soldier, from the camion’s roar
And the battle’s bloody strife!
The bugle's blast shall wake thee no more,
Nor death cut short thy early life.
Rest, soldier, thy country honors her noble dead !
Fresh and green in our memories be
The heroes who for our country fought and bled,
The land of the brave and the home of the free.”
Soon after the death of her husbaud, Mrs. Worthen moved to her present
residence near Sand Ridge Station, where she is doing all that a mother’s
love can to rear her children. In the life and career of Captain. Worthen,
his children have a noble example to pattern after, as his excellent qualities
of head and heart were well known..
THOMAS WORTHEN
Is the fifth of a family of six children of Richard and Nancy Worthen,
and was born in Jackson County, June 22d, 1836. Richard Worthen was
born in Tennessee. In 1810, when a child two years old, he was brought
to the territory of Illinois. His wife was born in South Carolina, her
family, soon after, moving to Tennessee, and removing from there, when she
was about ten years old, to what is now Jackson County. Here she met Mr.
Worthen ; here they were married, lived and died, and here they are buried
iu the Worthen burial-ground, on the old homestead. They were both mem¬
bers of the Lutheran church. Mr. Worthen was for a number of years Jus¬
tice of the Peace. Thomas had few opportunities when young, and to use
his own language, “ went to school about three months in three years.” But
by steady application aud perseverance, he acquired sufficient knowledge for
all practical purposes. When twenty-three years old he commenced life on
his own account, with little money, but with what is much better, strong and
willing hands, and a settled determination to succeed. On the 27th of Feb¬
ruary, 1S50, he married Miss Catharine Reimau, daughter of Andrew Rei¬
man, one of the leading farmers of the County. They have had ten children,
six of whom are living. Mr. Worthen is a member of the Swedenborgian
denomination, and his wife of ihe Lutheran.
In 1861 he became a member of the Republican party aud a strong advo¬
cate of its principles and policy, voting the second time for Mr. Lincoln, and
afterwards for Gen. Grant. During the rebellion he was fearless and out¬
spoken in his Union sentiments, advocating vigorous and effective measures
for its suppression, and wiping out forever the only staiu on our escutcheon
as a great and free nation. Mr. Worthen has never been a candidate Un¬
political distinction, preferring the more peaceful and profitable occupation
of a farmer, and in which employment he has met with well-merited suc¬
cess. His farm consists of four hundred and fifty acres, about two hundred
of which is in a good state of cultivation, and is considered one of the best in
the township. He is now enjoying the fruits of former years of toil and self-
denial, in being able in his declining years to lead a life of leisure aud com¬
fort, and ranks as one of our self-made men.
RIDGE TOWNSHIP.
NE of the first settlements of Jackson County was that known to
this day as Dutch Ridge. Upon the adoption of township
organization it was given a portion of the name of the settle¬
ment, aud called “Ridge” township.
The first settlers of Dutch Ridge are said to have immigrated as early as
1805 ; aud betweeu the period named and 1812 there arrived the following
persons, many of whose descendants now live where their forefathers located
sixty and seventy years ago: Samuel Pyatt, Daniel Wood, Robert Fryatt,
Leonard Lipe, Zachariah Lyrely, Albert House, all soldiers of the revolu¬
tionary war ; also, Benjamin Conners, Isaac Wilson, John Zimmerman,
aud Jacob Milligan.
Some of these came in but a short time prior to the beginning of the war
of 1812. S. Etherton located in Ridge precinct in 1827.
Some few years later than 1812 came the Haglers — John, Paul, Phillip,
and Peter ; the Lipes, relatives of the Mr. Lipe before referred to, with fami¬
lies ; also, David Arnold and Robert Casey.
The physical features of Dutch Ridge and the surrounding country are
well calculated to attract attention, and hence no doubt the settlement at
that place. The country is well drained and watered by Cedar Creek and its
tributaries, and much of the soil is of good quality. This stream flows first
in a northerly, and then curving to the left flows in a westerly direction. It
was covered throughout with the very finest of timber, some of which yet
remains.
The surface is rolling, and is striking aud varied iu appearance. In this
township is found the Natural Bridge, a view of which is given on another
page of this work. Here also is found the “ Saltpetre Cave,” where in early
days powder was manufactured for the unerring flint-lock rifles of the
pioneers.
In the western part of Ridge occur a series of “ Basins,” as they are de¬
nominated. These are found upon the top of the high ridges, and are truly
remarkable. No conjecture is hazarded here as to the manner of their origin.
They are worth a visit, being from 75 to 1 00 feet in diameter, and from 30
to 50 feet in depth.
Caves abound also in this part of the County, one of which, situated on the
farm of G. W. Black, in section 19, has been explored for one and a half
mile without coming to the end of it. This subterranean cavern consists of
a succession of rooms, varying in height from 4 to 40 feet. The walls dis¬
close a fine formation of sandstone. Into the chief cavern open a series of
lateral caves.
It is in this township that the town Pomona, so appropriately named for
112
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
the goddess of fruits of the old mythology, is situated. It is a celebrated
fruit-producing region. Many of the inhabitants are wealthy, and the
people rank as among the law-abiding and peaceful.
The population of the township is about 1,600, and is nearly all rural,
there being but two villages within its limits, and these being small.
There are seven school districts composing the township, and these are
provided with good school-houses, which are kept in good repair.
The first school-house was erected in Dutch Ridge settlement many years
ago, and the first school-master was a Mr. Corgan, a man of Irish extraction,
who had received his education in his native isle.
The first church of the township was also within the limits of this ancient
settlement, and was of the Baptist denomination. Rev. Simon Hiller was
the first preacher. The churches under his leadership seem to have enter¬
tained some doctrines, not entirely in conformity with the canons of that
church, and were called “ Hillerites.” Whatever may have been said of
their doctrines, nothing can be urged against their lives and characters.
They are an upright, godly people, zealous in good works. The number of
churches is two-
A few veteran soldiers of the Mexican war survive : John W. Robinson,
John Milligan, John Morrow, and William J. Hagler, Sr.
The following persons served in the Black-Hawk war: James Harreld,
who was a First Lieutenant; Jacob Schwartz, Matthias and Paul Hagler,
Daniel Ellis, Daniel House, and Moses Lyrely.
The township trustees are B. H. Inm^u, D. C. L. Halderman, and J. H.
Gulley. Dr. A. M. Lee, a physician who enjoys an extensive practice, is
the Treasurer.
towns.
Eltham is little more than a hamlet, containing but about twenty souls.
It is situated on the Narrow Gauge Railroad, some two miles north of
Pomona. The plat was surveyed in 1875 by J. C. Blackensdorfer, and the
record bears date of June 23, 1875.
Barclay & Brother have a stave and heading factory here, and Mr. Bar¬
clay is postmaster. There is a store-room, but it has long been unoccupied.
Pomona. — This promising little village, scarcely two years of age at this
writing, 1877, is likewise situated on the Narrow Gauge Railroad. The plat
was surveyed by John A. Weimer, County Surveyor, and certified to by him
on the 9th of February, 1875 ; the plat was recorded on the 20th of the same
month. Business houses: Dr. A. M. Lee has a drug-store here; A. J.
Etherton is a dealer in general merchandize, as is also A. G. Long; Stafford
A Co. operate a saw-mill ; G- W. Gregory is station agent; Miss Alice Lipe
here teaches her “ little school” to the satisfaction of all. The Town Trustees
are : Leonard Hagler, William H. Pifer, J. R. Gregory, Dr. Lee, A. J.
Hagler, and John Messmore.
This village is far enough removed from the large towns of the county to
give good promise of healthy, continuous growth. A good country sur¬
rounds it, and the inhabitants are sufficiently numerous to support a good
town.
Ridge township lies in the southern part of the County. It is bounded on
the north by Murphysboro’ township, on the east by Makauda, on the south
by the county of Union, and on the west by Big Hill. It contains many
citizens of influence, as the Ethertons, Capt. Grammar, the Haglers, Con¬
ners, and Harreldsi
9
2)
T. T. ROBINSON,
Son of Judge U. E. Robinson and Penelope Bradshaw, who were among
the oldest settlers of Jackson County, was born February 28th, 1835, near
where he now lives in Ridge Township. He was the fourth child or a family
of eight, nearly all of whom are still living in Jackson County. He lived
at home with his parents until he was married, October 2d, 1859, to Mary
Ann Gregory, when he moved on the farm where he now lives. Mr. Robin¬
son has -been a farmer all his life, and a successful one, having acquired a
good home and one of the best wheat and fruit farms in the County.
Politically he is an old-time Democrat, and has served his neighbors in
the following offices, viz. : as Justice of the Peace and Associate Judge of the
County Court, for three years, and afterwards as a member of the Board of
Supervisors.
He eulisted in the army in 1862 as 2d Lieutenant, Company B, 109th
Regiment, and was engaged in the battle of Vicksburg. He served until
May, 1863, when he resigned and came home, having been promoted to the
rank of captain in the meantime. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are both earnest
members of the Baptist Church ; they, having no children of their own, have
adopted two little' girls, Clementine and Daisy J., who have a good, pleasant
home.
Mr. Robinson is a good sample of the self-made man, with all the energy
of that class, and all the intelligence and education necessary to fill any office
in the County ; one of those genial gentlemen we all like to meet, and after
meeting them, we feel that they have done us good.
TILLMAN HAGLER.
Among the oldest settlers of Jackson County who had to endure all the
trials and privations incident to a new country was Tillman Hagler, who was
born in North Carolina, November 4th, 1815. He was the second child of Pe¬
ter and Sarah Hagler, who were also natives of North Carolina. They emi¬
grated to Illinois in 1818, and settled in what is now Jackson County at the
old Hagler homestead. Tillman, the subject of our sketch, was married to
Miss Elizabeth Hagler, July 4th, 1837- They raised a family of eight chil¬
dren. Four of them are yet living near the old homestead.
Mr. Hagler, like most of the old settlers, commenced the world with no¬
thing but a willing mind and a robust constitution, but by constant industry
and application he managed to make a good living and leave his family a
good farm. He died September 20th, 18G9. His widow, Elizabeth, who is
living on the homestead, was born in Jackson County, Illinois, March 22d,
1820, near where she still lives. She is still a hale, hearty woman, with a
clear recollection of the trials and tribulations of an old settler’s life, and
with nerve and ability enough to overcome them even yet if necessary. Mr.
and Mrs. Hagler were of that material that develops all new countries. With¬
out such our State would still be a wilderness.
BRANNER EASTERLY,
One of the representative men of Ridge Township, was born, near Green¬
ville, Tenn., December 7th, 1831. His parents, Casper and Elizabeth Easterly
were of that old Virginia stock that is so celebrated for its intelligence and
hospitality.
Mr. Easterly came to Illinois with his parents in 1850. They came to
this State by river to Preston in Union County, and from there directly to
Jackson County, and settled on the old Easterly homestead, where he lived
with his parents until he was married, May 14th, 1857, to Martha J. Stivers,
of Grayville, White County, Illinois. They have had born to them five
children, viz.; W. L. , who died March 16th, 1872, and Lucretia, Edward
E. May, and Charley. The four living are with their parents at home. Mr.
Easterly joined the 81st Regiment of Illinois Infantry, at the commencement
of the Rebellion, went immediately into active service and was engaged
in the following battles of note: Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion
Hill and the Siege of Vicksburg, until July 4th, 1863, when he was detailed
on detached service at the arsenal. Afterwards he rejoined his regiment,
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, , ILLINOIS.
113
and was in the battle of Spanish Fort and several minor engagements, all of
which are still fresh in his memory.
Mr. Easterly glories in being a genuine old-fashioned Republican. By
the way there are very few left of the old 81st Regiment who are not in
sympathy with that party who first dared to throw the gauntlet into the camp
of the slave aristocracy.
He is also an active Granger, in fact you can hardly name an enterprise
public or private calculated to benefit his country, his neighbor or his fami¬
ly in which he does not take a deep interest ; and although not a politician
he has held several local offices with credit to himself and to t’he^ full satis¬
faction of his constituents.
<5-
S)
e)
AVA TOWNSHIP.
HE name of this youthful Township was selected from Webster’s
jpg Unabridged Dictionary. It was organized in 1876. The early
Lj) settlers of this portion of the County have been noticed in the ac-
--A'l counts given of the settlements in the several Townships out of
which this was formed, and hence need no notice here.
The chief occupation of the people is agriculture, and some finely culti¬
vated farms are found here. The southern and western portions are broken,
and in the hills is found fine varieties of limestone and sand-stone. The
eastern and northern parts are quite level. The greater portion of the
surface of the Township is susceptible of .cultivation.
The entire surface was heavily timbered in an early day, and the primeval
forests in some places yet remain. The people of Ava Township are thrifty,
enterprising and moral. The school districts of the Township are commodi¬
ous and comfortable. A good quality of coal is mined on the farm of Mr.
Henry Cheatam, Avho supplies the town of Ava with that article. The Deans,
Cheatams, Callahans, Wrights, and Stephens are prominent citizens. Ava
is bounded on the west by Bradley and Degognia Townships, on the north
by Bradley and Ora, on the east by Ora and Levan, on the south by Kin-
kaid and Levan.
It contains within its limits the thriving village of Ava, which possesses a
population of about 360.
For a great many years there had been at this point a hamlet called
“ Headquarters,” but it was not until the building of the Narrow Gauge
Railroad, on which Ava is situated, at a point 16 miles north-west of Mur-
physboro’, that attention began to be directed to it. Its distance from any
considerable town is so great as to give it a wide circle of trade. It has since
the completion of the railroad “ sprung into newness of life,” and there can
scarcely be a question, but that it is destined to be, in the near future, one of
the few really important towns in the County. Its citizens seem to be aware of
its advantages, and to possess great confidence in its growth and coming pros¬
perity. It will eventually be for the north-western part of the County what
Murphysboro’ is for the central district, and what Carbondale is for the east
era, the centre of trade.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND BUSINESS PIP MS.
The public school building is neat and comfortable, and the number of
children in attendance makes it possible to grade them into two divisions,
thus facilitating the important work of education. There are two hotels in
the place, where the traveler may, in the language of old Jack Falstatf, rest
and “ take mine ease at mine inn.” Mr. Bowers is the proprietor of one, Mr.
Burke of another. Dishon & Co., have a good flouring mill, while Dean
Bro.’s have a custom mill. There is also a saw-mill at this point. Wag¬
goner Bro.’s sell drugs and notions, and Jesse Johnson, drugs only ; Gordon
& Bigelow deal in dry goods and general merchandize, as also do Husband
& Russel ; the firms of A. E. Davis and Clendenen & Co., deal in drygoods
and notions.
Mr. Samuel Desberger, the great merchant of Murphysboro’, recognizing
the fact of the growing importance of Ava, has lately established a branch
store here. There is a good cooper shop and three blacksmith shops.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JACOB BOWERS,
Hotel and Liveryman, of Ava, was born in Kinkaid township, Jackson
County, October 16th, 1844. He is the youngest child of Samuel and
Cynthia Bowers. The elder Bowers was among the pioneers of the County.
By birtfi a Pennsylvanian. In 1852 he went to California, overland, by a team,
with his three sons- Remained in the gold-fields of that State three years,
then started for his home. He wa3 overtaken by the Indians, and killed near
Fort Kearny. His three sons escaped, and after a perilous journey arrived
safely at home. Jacob, owing to the death of his father, was, at an early
age, thrown out into the world to battle for himself, and his education was
such, as he could pick up when not at work. On the 25th of June, 1866, he
married Sarah F., daughter of Andrew and Martha Jones. As the result of
that union, one son was born, who is yet living. Mrs. Bowers died June 12,
1868, at their home in Kinkaid township. Mr. Bowers was married to his
present wife, December 16th, 1870, Luvice J. McBride, daughter of James
P. McBride. Four children have been born to them, one of whom is deceased.
Mr. Bowers was engaged in farming until 1865, when lie came to Ava, and
opened the well-known “ Bowers House.” His hotel is the best in the town,
where all travelers are well treated. The table is supplied with all the deli¬
cacies of the season. He has also a first-class livery stable, and in connec¬
tion with his hotel, he carries on a saloon, where he always has on hand,
choice liquors and cigars. His saloon is located on Main street, between his
livery stable and Husbands & Russel’s store, recently fitted np in good style.
PROF. JOHN M. REEDER,
The present efficient School Superintendent of Jackson County, is a native
of Hamilton County, Ills.; was born October 18, 1850. He is the fourth
of a family of seven children born to Wm. C. and Sarah Reeder, who were
also natives of Illinois. The subject of our sketch secured the rudiments of
his early education iD the common schools. He subsequently attended the
Normal University at Carbondale. He came to Jackson County with his
114
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
father ia 1864, and in 1870 he engaged in teaching. He is now classed as
among the leading educators of this part of the County. He is a member
of the M. E. Church, and a man whom all respect for the purity of his
morals. In politics he ha9 always been a strong advocate of the principles
of the Democratic party ; however, he does not let his party prejudices
interfere with his voting for men of the opposite party when he deems them
worthy. In the fall of 1877 he was elected as the candidate of the Demo¬
cratic party to the office of County Superintendent of Schools for Jackson
County.
Prof. Reeder brings to the discharge of the onerous duties of his office 'the
requisite qualifications of experience and ability to make a good officer,
and we bespeak for him a succes in the office to which he has been called by
the franchise of his fellow-citizens.
ORA TOWNSHIP.
BY GEORGE W. HOLLIDAY.
HE first settlement in this part of Jackson was made about the
year 1817, when S. Lewis, E. Harrold, and George Butcher
came. In 1320 some five or six families made it their future
home. Among these were three brothers named, respectively,
Daniel, Henry, and Michael Dilliuger, who were of German origin, and na¬
tives of North Carolina. Henry was a good millwright, and erected the
first mill in the Township. It was driven by water power, and stood on
Beaucoup Creek, in the north-east corner of the Township. His mill was
well patronized by the settlers, who found it a great convenience. Henry
Dillinger was noted for his charitable disposition and unusual kindness of
heart. No man, howsoever poor, went from his mill without meal for his
family. Few men of this day may boast of the possession of such large cha¬
rity as that which formed a prominent trait in the character of this man.
Few, too, may boast an ingenuity equal to his, when we take into considera¬
tion the limited facilities of his early day for obtaining a knowledge of the
mechanical arts. Marks of his originality are even yet observable, after the
lapse of half a century, in an old frame house which stands near the site of
his old mill. The writer of this has taken the trouble to visit this relic of
his skill, and has been struck with some of its peculiarities as compared with
the styles of the present day. The plastering consists of ordinary clay, which
has grown harder by time, until it is nearly as hard as rock. The studding
are four inches square, and the spaces between about two and a half feet. The
clay plastering was placed between these, and extends out even with the
iuuer edge of the upright studding, thus being four inches thick, and held
in place by small sticks about an inch square, and six inches apart, extend¬
ing from one upright to another. This good man, whose memory is fragrant,
died in 1830 or ’31, and was buried in his garden adjoining his house. The
garden has long since been destroyed, and the grave of the good man has
been plowed over, till all traces of it are obliterated, and the spot where his
ashes repose, is only known to a few aged inhabitants. To plow over the
grave of a respectable citizen of more modern birth and existence, would be
considered a crime, but the deeds and acts of this most worthy man, have not
potency enough, in this sordid age, to protect his grave from molestation and
rude desecration. That such is true, is disgraceful. The mill changed hands,
but soon fell into disuse, and then decay, which, strange to say, is even yet
not complete, a9 evidences of its existence are still plainly visible.
Robert Carden, Nelson McDowell, William Carpenter and Abraham Crow,
settled in Big Rattlesnake. About the same year, 1820, and, nearly at the same
time, came Gracy Williamson and two or three others to settle at the same
place. Mr. Williamson shortly afterward died, leaving a wife and six small
children. Mrs. Williamson lived to a ripe old age, having seen all her chil¬
dren married and comfortably situated in life. She died of Cardiac dropsy,
in 1874. She deserves praise for having, by her great industry, economy and
honesty, raised her family to become what they are, examples of the highest
respectability. Some of her sons have held high aud important offices in
Jackson Couuty, and all belong to the better class of farmers in Township or
County.
The first school in Ora was taught by Peter Carroll, in 1829. The first
sermon was preached by Rev. William Davis, a Baptist minister, in 1824.
The settlers lived in a very rude and simple style. They manufactured their
own wearing apparel. Each man tanned his own leather, aud made his own
shoes ; dressed his own deerskin, and made his own “ breeches.” They raised
cotton and flax, which the women would card and spin into thread, then
weave into cloth. I think I never saw a woman wearing a calico dres9 till
I was twenty years old. The men wore home-made linsey hunting shirts,
and buckskin trowsers, and moccasins. In dry weather the trowsers were
comfortable, but not so in wet.
Ora Township lies in the northern part of Jackson County, west of Ver-
gennes and north of Levan. It consists chiefly of high rolling land, nearly
all of which is tillable. It is well adapted to the production of wheat, yield¬
ing, on an average, twenty bushels to the acre. Fruit very rarely fails in
this section of the County, and is produced in abundance, while the quality
is excellent. It was once heavily timbered, and there are still some fine
forests under fence. There are extensive and valuable rock quarries, which
furnish fine material for building purposes. There are extensive coal-beds,
which can be worked at comparatively little expense.
Abraham Fry was the first to discover coal, in 1840, on Section 24. One of
the finest mines is found in the northern part of the Township. The vein is
from five to six feet thick, and extends up under the hill on an inclined plane,
which enables the water to readily drain off1. The roof consists, of the finest
quality of rock, which is very important, as it diminishes the danger of mining.
This is one of the best and most convenient mines in Jackson County, when
the cost of working it is taken into consideration.
The work of felling the trees has gone on bravely since 1830, and immigra¬
tion has gone on constantly. Ora is now thickly settled, and is almost a
solid mass of farms, which are well tilled, and invite comparison with those
of any other portion of the County. All cereals are grown in abundance,
but the great crops are wheat and corn. The inhabitants are industrious,
and generally comfortably situated. A large portion of them are of German
extraction, and are a frugal and prosperous class of people. Attention is
given to the improvement of stock, and good teams may be seen on almost
every farm. The people, while contented, are yet not satisfied with their
present degree of advancement, but are pushing on in the line of improve¬
ment.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
URIAH BLUE
Was born in Miami County, Ohio, October 31st, 1823- He was the 10th
child of Salomon and Elithaoumy Blue. Solomon Blue was a native of
“old Virginia.” He died when LYiah was about fifteen years old. The latter
started in life for himself by moving to Randolph County, Illinois, where he
went to work for the farmers, making a bare living for himself until he was
married Nov. 25th, 1854, to Mrs. Melinda Brownfield. They had born to
them five children, all of whom are still living.
Mrs. Blue died June 17th, 1866. He was again married to Elizabeth
Miller, Sept. 16th, 1867. They had one child by this marriage, which is
living at home. Mr. Blue’s second wife, died June 22d, 1872. He was mar¬
ried to his present wife April 12th, 1874. They have two children, both of
whom are living at home with their parents. Politically, Mr. Blue is a firm
old Jackson Democrat, although a strong partizan, he has never sought
office, preferring to make a pleasant, happy home for his wife and children,
and to know how well he has succeeded, you have only to visit him there,
when you will find one of the best, if not the be3t farm in Ora Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Blue, are both members of the United Baptist Church, and
are attempting to raise their family in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
Mr. Blue may be considered as one of the successful men of Jackson
County, as he commenced with nothing but health and energy. Now he
owns 760 acres of good land, and everything necessary to make him com¬
fortable.
WILLIAM RUSSELL
Was born in Cartwright County, North Carolina, December 9th, 1809.
His father was a farmer by occupation, and brought up William on the
farm. His educational advantages were very limited. At the age of twenty-
five he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Russell- After two years, he
emigrated with his young wife to Jackson County, Illinois, and settled about
six miles south of Murphysboro’. and improved a farm. After two years, his
partner in life. died. He was again married, to Miss Delia Hegley, Decem¬
ber, 1842. She was a native of Jackson County. Her father, John Hegley,
was one of the very early settlers. To this union they have had a family of
nine children born to them, five boys and four girls, Hz. : Edmund, now
married and farming, in Ora Township ; David, married and farming, near
the old homestead ; William Carroll, Marion, and Samuel. William aud
Samuel, are living at home ; Marion is a merchant in Ava. The girls, Dar-
thena, Mary, Jane and Hannah ; Mary is now the wife of John Derrington ;
the other three girls are living at home. After living about twenty years
south of Murphysboro’, he went to what is now Ora Township, where he still
resides. He entered a tract of timber land, and with axe in hand, he com¬
menced to improve a new farm, and by his own industry, he now owns a fine
farm of two hundred acres, most all in a fine state of cultivation. When
Mr. Russell settled in Ora Township there were but about five families in
the township. His nearest neighbor was James Bradley, a mile and a half
distant, and not a school-house in the township. He has now four neighbors
in sight of his residence, and a school-house on his land- Mr. Russell has
lived in Jackson County since 1836. He has seen this County grow from a
wilderness, covered with a dense forest, dotted here and there with a squat¬
ter’s cabin, to a fine agricultural district, with growing fields of grain and
pleasant homes dotted thickly throughout the County. He has also lived to
see churches of all denominations built up in the County, and schools at
proper intervals. He is endeavoring to give his children a better education
than he received. Politically he is a Democrat. We set Mr. Russell down
a3 a good man, not flashy, but honest and earnest, and loyal to manhood.
A. J. GRIZZEL
Was the son of Solomon and Nancy Grizzel. His father was a native of
Virginia. He settled in Kentucky when a young man, and followed the life
of a farmer. The subject of our sketch w^as born in Kenton County, Ken¬
tucky, July 30th, 1815. During his minority he was brought up ou a farm,
and educated to farm life. He attended the subscription schools, such as
the country afforded, although his father was a very weakly man, and the
farm work mostly devolved on him, consequently, his early education was
very much neglected. He was the third child of a family of eight children.
At the age of twenty-two, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine
Stephens, Aug. 3d, 1837. She was also a native of Keutou County, Kentucky.
To this union they have had born to them, a family of twelve children, nine
living in the spring of 1861. He emigrated from Kentucky to Jackson
County, and settled where he now lives, in Ora township. Mr. Grizzel settled
on 160 acres of land that was entered by his father-in-law, said land covered
with heavy timber and brush, and no improvements, with the exception of a
squatter’s cabin and a half acre improved or enclosed. He now has about one
hundred acres of good, tillable land.
Politically, he is a Democrat. His father was a Democrat before him, aud
named his son after the celebrated Andrew Jackson, and he has ever walked
in the Democratic ranks.
Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. He has
endeavored to bring his family up under the tenets of that church, but not
restricting them to any particular creed. Such is a brief sketch of one of
the prominent farmers of Ora township. Truthful, honest and industrious,
he is a fair sample of the western farmer, who have done much towards
transforming this country from a wilderness of brush to fine farms bearing
rich fields of grain.
GEORGE WASHINGTON HOLLIDAY
Is the oldest resident'that wa3 born within the limits of Jackson County. His
birth dates May 8th, 1816. David Holliday, the father of the subject of
this sketch, was a native of Virginia, but after his marriage he moved to
Tennessee, where he resided some few years ; he then emigrated to the then
territory of Illinois, and settled on the Big Muddy River, in the year 1814.
He brought to this country his wife, five children and all his worldly effects
on three pack horses. The country was then in the condition in which it
came from the Creator. Not a mill or factory, or any public improvements.
It was covered with a dense forest in which game of various kinds abounded,
and was hunted not for amusement, but in many parts as means of support.
The pelts of wild animals constituted a vast commerce, and was the currency
of the country. But David Holliday was just the kind of a man which is
needed in all new countries. He was a thinker as well as a worker, and all
his thoughts, and acts were in the direction of improvement and progression.
He was a man of many trades. He could turn his hand to moat anything.
His place was a rendezvous for the early settlers for many miles around. As
he had a mill, the second mill in the country, it was what was termed a cog
mill, considered quite an improvement in those days to what was termed a
tug mill. He also had a cotton-gin attached to the horse mill. He did
quite a business with his gin as it was the only one in the country, and all
the pioneer settlers raised cotton for their own immediate use. He' also ran a
blacksmith shop, and a tan-yard, two establishments which were almost ab¬
solutely necessary in those days, and last though not least, he opened a dis¬
tillery where he made the pure corn whiskey, a beverage then considered by
the early pioneers indispensable, to keep them free of the then very prevalent
disease, chills and fever. He also improved a farm. He died in the year
1849, and was buried on the place he improved. It is now known as Holli¬
day’s Cemetery. The subject of this sketch gave his time to clearing away
115
116
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
the forests, and making a home in the then new country. The Indians then
possessed nearly all this western country, and some of them frequently came
into his father’s cabin, and tarried with them over night ; they were quite
peaceable, and their presence was not offensive. The greatest trouble ex¬
perienced with the Indians in those times, was to keep them out of the roasting
ear patches, and from petty stealing generally. Mr. Holliday’s education
was sadly neglected. The school-house that he attended, was built out of
round poles and covered with brush to keep the sun out, and when it rained,
school had to be dismissed until it “ cleared up.” Like unto a wise man
he knew that it was not good to be alone, and consequently he made choice
of one of the daughters of Eve, in the person of Miss Joanna Whipkey, a
native of Somerset County, Penh., in 1842. Nine children are the fruits of
this marriage, seven living. He gave his oldest son up to the defense of
his country during the late Civil War. He fell in the battle of Belmont,
Missouri, the first engagement fought under General Grant of this war.
Mr. JSolliday has improved a farm in Ora Township, where he has re¬
sided for the past twenty-four years. Politically, he is a Republican. Such
is a brief sketch of one of the early pioneers of Jackson County. He
has grown with the growth of the country. Sixty years has wrought a
wonderful change in the civilization of the west. Then a wilderness with
Indians, trees and grasses indigenous to the soil overspreading the entire
state. Now we have railroads, cities, villages and fruitful fields, with the
promise of a future that is destined to startle the world with its wonder¬
ful progress.
ELK TOWNSHIP.
LK Township, as will be seen by a reference to the map, lies
in the northeast corner of the County. It is bounded on the
north by Williamson, and on the east by Franklin Counties, on
the south by De Soto and on the west by Vergennes. It em¬
braces within its limits one of the few prairies of County — Elk prairie. This
was called Elk prairie from the fact that a great many years ago large num¬
bers of elk frequented the prairie, attracted thither by the salt-licks. On the
adoption of township organization in 1872, the descriptive part of the
prairie’s name was given to the township.
FIRST SETTLERS.
There were probably some settlers in the portion of country now comprised
in this township as early as 1815, but just who were here first cannot now be
determined. Most of the early settlers seemed first to have sojourned for a
time in the earlier-settled parts of the County which lie along the Muddy,
and from there to have emigrated to the more beautiful lands in or near
Elk prairie. In the north part of the prairie, at an early but uncertain
period, settled the following persons : Louis Campbell, Joseph Williams,
James Davis and his son William. Singleton Kimmel, who published for a
time a paper at Shawneetown before becoming a citizen of this County,
Jacob Aukney and Samuel Cheathan were the first settlers in the southern
part. The previous history of most of these is unknown.
James and William Davis were from North Carolina; Kimmel and Aukney
were from Pennsylvania.
Edward Schwartz moved to the prairie in the spring of 1827, while in the
following fall came Peter Gill. John Robinson became a member of the
prairie settlement in the year 1830. It is very much to be regretted that so
little information survives of the early days of the settlement. Over it rests
the twilight of the years, and in it are but faintly discerned a few out of the
many facts that would be of great interest to the present generation.
The first birth was that of John Davis, son of William, who first opened
his eyes upon the light in 1819. The first death in the settlement also oc¬
curred in this family. This was the death of William’s son Jacob, who was
but 18 months old. The date of his death is not known.
The first marriage is that of Joseph Crews to Sarah Robinson, on Novem¬
ber 12, 1832. On December 6, of the same year, Banister Crews was
wedded to Frances Robinson.
The first school of the township was taught in 1836 by John Byars. An
old cheese building was moved to a spot a short distance west of Elkville,
and served as the school-house.
The school began with only one side of the roof on. Mr. Byars taught
for one week and then dismissed school, promising to return and teach a year
when the house should be completely roofed.
Log cabins served as school-houses as late as the year 1848, when an ad¬
vance was made by the erection of a frame house for school and church pur¬
poses. This was built in a grove near the old Schwartz place.
In 1870 and 1871 a new and spacious school building was erected in the
southern part of Elkville, and, in the absence of any church house at that
place, has been used as a meeting-house as well. This place has been favored
with good teachers, and consequently has been blessed with good schools that
have done a good work for the cause of education. The Elkville school is
now under the charge of Mr. Andrew Caldwell, who gave such good satis¬
faction during the first year of his superintendence that the directors em¬
ployed him for the second.
The first sermon was preached by Braxton Parrish in 1829 on the occasion
of the sad death of Samuel Cheatham, who was burned to death. Mr. Par¬
rish died in 1875 at Benton, Franklin County.
mills.
Probably as early as 1841 Abel Roach built a horse mill in the western
part of Elk prairie. Prior to this the people took their grain to the Dil-
linger Mill on Beaucoup Creek, or to the Snider Mill, in Six Mile, in Frank¬
lin County. At that day the boys did most of the milling for the settlers.
They went with their grain on horseback and were frequently obliged to re¬
main over night waiting for their turn.
Mr. Snider was a man of mirth and jollity, and entertained the boys by
various amusing games. He would wager the buttons of his clothing against
those of the boys ; when he lost the game he would take out his knife and
cut off a button, and when the other side lost they would do the same.
Sometimes in playing “ Fox and Geese,” when he saw the boys were in a
fair way to beat, he would rub out and begin anew.
It is both entertaining and amusing to hear those who are advanced in
age relate their experience at the old horse mills in the days of their boy¬
hood.
In 1867, Phillip Kimmel and William Schwartz built a steam flouring
mill at Elkville, to which, in the course of a year or two, they attached a
saw-mill. Both are now operated by Whitney Gilbreath of this place.
Elkville was surveyed and platted by Clayborn Burrow, County Sur¬
veyor, who certified to the fact on the 31st of March, 1857. The little vil¬
lage contains about 100 inhabitants. It is situated on the Illinois Central
Railroad, in the midst of a fertile country, six miles north of De Soto.
It is no doubt destined in the future to be a place of considerable im¬
portance.
Elk township is under good cultivation, and many good farmers have
made their homes in this part of the County. Among these we mention
the Schwartzs and Kimmels. The people are industrious, prosperous and
contented. A religious society of the. Christian faith has lately been or.
ganized at Elkville through the instrumentality of Rev. Wm. Trickett, an
evangelist of extended reputation. The several districts of the township
are provided with comfortable buildings for the children who gather in
them to be instructed in those things which are to fit them for usefulness in
after life.
SKETCHES
BIOGRAPHICAL
WILLIAMS FAMILY.
Nathaniel and Celia Williams were born in Columbia County, Georgia.
They raised a family of eight children, four of whom are living in Elkville
township, Jackson County, Illinois, viz: Nathaniel, Reuben Reed, Jerry
Burkhalter and J. T. Williams. Special attention is called to them as
follows :
Nathaniel was born in Columbia County, Georgia, in 1815. He worked
on a farm until he was married. At 28 years of age, he married Clarrissa,
they raising a family of two children, Amanda and Nathaniel, who are living
near home. Nathaniel lived with his first owner, Mr. Short, until he was
about 35 years old, when he was sold to a man named Steed, and afterwards
to Stanford ; always working on a farm, until the last ten years of his ser¬
vitude, when he went to work at the carpenter’s trade, until Sherman and
his boys in blue marched through Georgia, when he took French leave of
slavery and its influences.
Reuben was born in 1817, in Wilkes County, Georgia, and was married in
1875, to Mrs. King, in Jackson County, Illinois.
He was owned first, by Mr. Short and afterwards by Mr. Burkhalter
always working as a farm hand and miller. He was industrious and
reliable.
Jerry Burkhalter, was born in 1821, in Wilkes County, Georgia, and was
married January 20th, 1850, to Ellen Dukes. They have had born to them
eleven children. Eight are. still living at and near home; they are named as
follows : Charlotte, Jerry R., Nathaniel S., Martha, Mary M., Reuben and
Florence, the others dying when young.
Mr. Burkhalter was first owned by Mr. Short. He was afterwards transferrd
several times, until finally, he went to live with Mr. Dukes, when he married
settled down and lived until the rebellion. At the age of 27, he learned
Blacksmithing, and continued to work at the trade as long as he lived in the
South, and was considered a good workman. He says he was at one time in
the hands of a speculator about fourteen months, and could not be disposed
of, on account of the peculiar form in which he made his horseshoes, they
being of a pattern not commonly seen in that country, and not very useful,
John T. Williams, was born in 1823 or ’24, in Wilkes County, Georgia,
and was married in June, 1856, to Rachel. They have a family of eight
children living, as follows: Marietta, Peter, Emma, Alice, Wilbor Warren.
John H. and Amanda, all living at home with their parents.
He was first owned by Mr. Short, and worked on his farm until he was 18
or 20 years of age, when he was apprenticed to a blacksmith, to learn that
trade, and his owner finding him a good, competent workman, kept him con¬
stantly at his trade until 1865, when he became a free man ; however, he still
remained there, and worked until he had made money enough to move his
family to Mississippi, in January, 1867, where he lived nearly a year, then
moved to Illinois.
The four families mentioned above, and so closely united by family ties,
after trying to live South for two years after the close of the war, and be¬
coming satisfied that the feeling there, was such, against their race, that they
could not live there and educate their children in peace, determined to
come north and commence life over again. Consequently, in 1867, they bid
farewell to their old homes, and the influences of that accursed institution of
slavery, that had kept 10,000,000 of people ground down to the earth for
nearly a century, and that had made our boasted free institutions an object
of scorn and contempt to the whole civilized world.
They all now own nice farms in Jackson County, in a good state of culti¬
vation, where they hope they are settled for life.
What a striking example to all of their race as well as our own, of what
energy and industry will do for us all. Here is the poor, despised slave of a
few years ago, without a dollar in the world : not even owning the clothes on
his back, now happy, honored and respected ; with enough of this world’s
goods to make him easy during life.
In politics, they are all good, consistent Republicans ; indeed, they could be
nothing else after their experience in life. Like all others in their station,
they had no educational advantages, although they managed to acquire
enough to read, write and do business. They are all giving their children a
good education, so as to enable them to fill any position they may be called
on to occupy.
JAMES JACKSON.
One of the citizens of Jackson County who deserves notice at our hands is
James Jackson, of Elkville Township. He was born near Florence, in
Northern Alabama, in the year 1826, on Christmas-day, and was married in
1861 to Lucinda Ghio. They have five children, all living at home. - Mr.
Jackson was a slave of Geo. Jackson until the breaking out of the war, and
he staid with his old master, until the emancipation proclamation made him a
free man ; until that time arrived that he had watched and prayed for
through thirty-five long, weary years of bondage: he was at last a free man.
Mr. Jackson was a good and faithful servant, feeling that his services, as well
as his flesh and blood, belonged to his master under the law. His master
though a southern man, was kind and indulgent, and for a wonder, loyal.
On being freed, he joined the army as teamster, served some time in that ca¬
pacity, was discharged on account of sickness, and sent to Cairo, remaining
there four years. He then moved to Jackson County, where he went to
work making a home for his family, and has succeeded in buying and pay¬
ing for a nice little farm in Elk Township. He tells me he is building on it
a new house and barn, that will be a credit to him. Although he has no
education himself, he is giving his children all the advantages within his
reach, so as to enable them to meet the trials of life, and take an honorable
position in society. God speed him.
117
BIG HILL TOWNSHIP
BY JOHN R. EASTERLY.
0-^j HIS is situated in the south-western part of the County. It was
laid off by William Rector in 1806, at the time of the formation
ifo) Lgt of all Townships in Jackson County, and was sectionized by Elias
Barcroft, deputy under Rector, and John Messinger, in 1810. It
is bounded on the north by Sand Ridge, on the south by Grand Tower, the
Mississippi River, Island Number 18, and the County of Union, on the west
by Grand Tower, and on the east by Ridge Township. “ Big Hill ” gave
its name to the Township, and has attracted wide-spread attention from geol¬
ogists on account of its formation. Its great size merits more than a passing
notice at our hands. Its length is about 7, and its average width is about 2
miles- The north and west ends lie respectively in Sand Ridge and Foun¬
tain Bluff Townships. The north end of this remarkable formation consists
of a solid wall of rock, varying from 150 to 250 feet in height, and is one and
a half miles in length. The G. T. and C. R. R. runs for a portion of its way
along its foot, and the view never fails to call forth exclamations of surprise
and admiration from the passenger who gazes upon its grandeur for the first
time. The south face of Big Hill also is a wall of rock, rather less abrupt
than the north, and is from 150 to 200 feet in height, and is robed in a beau¬
tiful garb of evergreens. This hill is an outlying spur of the “ Grand chain,”
which, under various names, wends from west to east, and links together the
Rocky and Appalachian systems of mountains.
It is entirely unsettled, except in two places, viz. : on a rolling ridge, and
the bottom land of a small creek. The hill affords a fine quality of sand¬
stone, and also an excellent grade of limestone. It is covered with timber of
good quality. It is the opinion of geologists that the great river once poured
its mighty volume of waters along a channel east of the Big Hill. Many are
the evidences of the correctness of this theory. The situation of the lakes
north of the hill, their relation to each other and to the river, the growth of
the timber, the kind of soils in the swamps, are cited in support of this sup¬
position. Further evidence is afforded : when a well is dug to a certain dis¬
tance river sand is struck. In one well a piece of timber was found at a
depth of 40 feet.
On the east side of the hill is found as fine a quality of farming land as
exists in the entire valley of the Mississippi. About 1500 acres are in cul¬
tivation, which yield in corn from 50 to 75 bushels per acre, or, if in wheat,
from 15 to 30. Oats and potatoes produce abundantly, and all other cereals
and products of our latitude.
Big Hill Township is justly celebrated as a very fine grazing country. The
grazing section is about 3 miles long by 2 wide. This is a swampy region,
and produces luxuriantly the best of wild grass for stock. Animals only
need to be fed for a short time during the year. The swamp-lands lie south¬
ward from the lakes, and northward from the farms which lie along the
north face of the Big Hill. Of the wild grass, much hay is made.
East of Big Muddy River, on high and rolling land, rather thin and poor
in quality, is found a soil admirably adapted for fruits, which are much cul¬
tivated, though some wheat and corn are produced.
The kinds of timber are oak, white, red, black, and chinkapin, and over¬
cup, hickory, walnut, box-elder, sugar maple, sycamore, etc.
Among the first permanent settlers were Jacob Lonzadder and family, who
settled in 1805 or 1806, on what is now known as the “ Berry Whitson
place.” He built the first mill, which was driven by water power, furnished
by two fine springs. This mill was on the S. E. 1 of section 6. Mr. Lon¬
zadder was of Portuguese extraction, and was an energetic man, a good citi¬
zen and farmer.
Joseph French came shortly after and settled just below Bald Rock, on the
east side of Big Muddy River. He was a native of Kentucky, and owned
the first slave in the Township.
In 1807 or 1808 came Thomas and John Morrow, with their father, and
located on what is now known as the Henson place, in Section 18. John
118
sold his share to William McRoberts in 1817, and Thomas in 1823 or ’24
disposed of 20 acres of his to Marble Henson.
Allen Henson came in 1808, and settled on the place now belonging to
the heirs of William B. Jenkins. Mr. Henson emigrated from North Caro¬
lina to Tennessee, and from thence to Illinois. He was about 60 years of
age at the time of his arrival. His family was large. The oldest daughter
became the wife of William Gaston, the next was married to Robert R. Gor¬
don, while, his son, Marble, took to wife Patsey Davis. Mr. Henson brought
with him from Tennessee a negro man slave.
In 1810, in the north east corner of the Township, in sec. 6, on what is
known as the Worthen place, settled a man named Flemmings.
The next settler, Jacob Thompson, came the same year. He was a single
man, but thinking it “ not good to be alone,” he proposed to a daughter of
Jacob Lonzadder and was made happy by her acceptance. He then opened
a farm, now owned by the heirs of Aaron Easterly.
Then came Reuben Redfield in 1820, who also married a daughter of Mr.
Lonzadder, — who seems to have been a benefactor of his race in furnishing
so many girls as wives for the settlers, — and located on the Berry Whitson
place.
It should have been stated that Aaron Davis and family came in 1816 or
’17, from Kentucky, and located on the Thomas Jenkins place. He was a
skillful hunter, and also was a farmer ; raised a family who settled around
him. He bought his place of Capt. Boon, and lived on it till his death in
1826.
The place passed into the possession of Thomas Jenkins in 1844, who re¬
sided on it till his death in ’73 at the great age of 91 years. Mr. Jenkins be¬
came a citizen of Jackson County in 1824. In 1826 he moved to the site of
Grand Tower, and kept an extensive wood-yard for 12 or 13 years. Mr.
Jenkins was a native of South Carolina, where he was born in 1781. When
he attained his majority he emigrated to Georgia, where he married. He
served under General Jackson during the war of 1812, and fought gallantly
at the battle of New Orleans.
The distinguished Capt. William Boon, who was one of the earliest settlers
of the County, and whose son, Benningsen Boon, was for many years so
prominent in the County, and who yet survives, settled at Big Hill in 1826,
whither he moved from Sand Ridge. He was a man of note, of worth, and.
very popular. He represented Jackson in the halls of legislation ably and
well, and was their protector and shield in the hour of danger.
He rented his farm in this township to Milton Ladd, and removed to the
Duncan place, on what is now known as the “Duncan Hill Slough,” where
he remained but one year, when he again moved, this time to the Mississippi
River, where he kept a wood-yard until his death in 1833, aged 56 years.
His son, Benningsen, was born in this County in 1807, and when between
21 and 22 years of age was united in wedlock to Elizabeth Will, a daughter
of Dr. Conrad Will, who was so distinguished in the early, history of the
County. Mr. B. Boon is a man of fine natural talent; and though educa¬
tional facilities in his youth were vastly inferior to those of this day, he
managed to make himself a well-informed and very useful man. He has
been a member of the County Commissioners’ Court; in 1833, Agent of the
County for the sale of the Saline lands ; was for many years a successful
practitioner of medicine. He was elected a Justice of the Peace in 1836,
and held the office for sixteen years. He served against Black-Hawk in the
war of 1832. He was under Capt. A. M. Jenkins in a cavalry company.
Nicholas D. Henson was a comrade in the same company. In 1855 he was
appointed Postmaster for Big Hill by President Pierce. He was a School
Officer for many years. In all offices he has conducted himself in such a
manner as to merit a reputation for capability and honesty of which any
one may be proud. In another part of this work will be found a more com¬
plete biography of this upright, Hseful man.
THE EASTERLY HOMESTEAD
Now the residence of GEORGE. A . JOSEPH B. B .and EDWARD E. EASTERLY, Sec. 6 7p 70 /?. 3 Jackson Co. Ill/no/e.
L . H A F? F? IS Sec. 37. T.7D /P. 3 Jackson Co. /cl
LENGTH OF BPIOCE ON TOP. 100 ft.
LEH6TH 9FT*YF£N ABUTMENTS, 76 FT
V/lOTH or BPlOOE, 9 FT.
HE/GHT or S/P/ O GEL, 30 Erl
HEIGHT OF ABUT/fE/VTSy 7Z. FT.
Ayr /PAGE TH/CKHESS, 9 FT.
BRIDGE, JACKSON CO. ILL
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
119
William W ., B. F., and Jessie C. Henson served in the Black Hawk war.
Giles Henson settled on what was denominated the “ O’Hara Land ” in
about 1820, and his eldest daughter wedded Joseph Goodbread.
William McRoberts, previously mentioned, was near 60 years of age
when, in 1817, he bought out John Morrow. His family was a large one,
viz. : Charles, Polly, Charlotte, Samuel, Lucretia, and James. Some of the
children lived to raise families, and the entire family were respectable.
The place now owned by the Worthen heirs was first entered by St. Clair
Manson on or about 1814. In 1818 he sold out to Matthew Duncan,
brother to the'Duncan who represented Jackson County in the State Senate
at Vaudalia, and was afterwards Governor of Illinois.
Mr. Duncan came Irom Kaskaskia to this county, where he had held the
office of State Printer. He first settled in Fountain Bluff township. He had
a mill, which he managed till the arrival of his brother, Joseph Duncan, in
1818-19. Matthew Duncan built the first distillery in Big Hill. He had
negroes that he had brought from Kentucky to the then Territory of Illi¬
nois. He mortgaged his farm to the First State Bank of Illinois. The
mortgage was foreclosed and the place sold, Thomas Whitson becoming the
purchaser.
The portion of Big Hill lying east of Big Muddy River began to be settled
up when James Harreld and others built a saw and grist-mill near 1838.
Mr. Harreld run the mill till his death in 1844, memorable as the year of
the “ Great Flood.”
David Cripps, in 1835 or ’36, settled in the eastern past of the township
on Pine Hill. He sold at his house dry-goods for the convenience of the
people. He was our first merchant.
Big Hill township is divided into two school districts, and has a popula¬
tion of about 400 inhabitants. The first school was taught by Lee D. Wood
in 1826.
The first sermon was preached by Rev. Richard Lee, a Methodist divine,
in 1814 or ’15. Leg lived for some time in this township. The first school-
house was on the MfcRoberts’ place, and served also as a church-house.
The first white child born was George Lonzadder, son of Jacob.
The first marriage was that of William Gaston to Nellie Henson in
1812-13.
The first death was that of James Davis, who was killed by the falling of
a tree blown down by the wind. He was the son of Aaron Davis.
The water is impregnated with lime from the limestone formation.
The northern portion of Big Hill township, owing to the great amount of
moisture, is less healthful than other parts, and malarial disease abounds.
BIOGKAPHieAL SKETCH.
BENNINGSEN BOON.
This man so honorably connected with the history of this County was born
in Jackson County, in 1807, and consequently is seventy years old. He has
however always been a man of correct habits and pure and temperate life,
and he consequently appears younger than he is. He is the son of Capt.
William Boon, one of the earliest and most popular and influential of our
early citizens.
He grew to manhood amid the stirring scenes of frontier life. When be¬
tween twenty-one and twenty-two years of age he was united in wedlock to
Elizabeth Will, daughter of Dr. Conrad Will.
Although deprived in great measure of the advantages of an education in
early life, by self-culture and a course of judicious reading he prepared
himself to serve well, in various and honorable positions the people of his
native County. He is a man of ability, and has been always a useful and
prominent man in his neighborhood and County. After his marriage to
Elizabeth Will, he settled on a farm given to him by his father and raised a
family. Efe was a volunteer in the Black Hawk war, and was in the com¬
pany of cavalry commanded by Capt. A. M. Jenkins.
Mr. Boon was a member of the County Commissioners’ Court from 1833-
’6. Iu 1845 he was appointed by act of Legislature, agent for the sale of
lands, for the benefit of the County, known as Muddy Saline Reservation.
He has been a successful practitioner of medicine, and those that know his
skill in the healing art, sometimes require his services yet.
In 1836 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and held that position, so
great was the satisfaction of the people at his efficiency and probity, contin¬
uously for sixteen years.
He has always taken a deep interest in the cause of education, and for
many years was a school officer. In 1855 he was appointed Post-master of
Big Hill post-office.
There is perhaps no man in the County whose recollections of the" past of
this County are so valuable and vivid as his. His conversational powers are
fine, and his fund of anecdote and keen observation make him an unusually
interesting and pleasant companion. He is courteous and dignified in de¬
meanor, and impresses all with whom he associates as a man of great person¬
al purity and genuine goodness of heart. He is justly regarded as one of
the most honored of our citizens, whether we consider his intelligence, his
uprightness or his services to the County.
The lessons taught by such a character are indeed valuable. His unself¬
ishness, his zeal for the right and his strict integrity are worthy of emula¬
tion and all respect. May he be spared many years to the people for whom
he has “ done good and not evil ” all the days of his life.
VERGENNES TOWNSHIP
BY F. M. TUTHILL.
HT will not be considered beneath the dignity of history to give the
origin of the name “ Vergennes.” Daniel B. Tuthill was, if not
the first, one of the first settlers, and cherished for his wife an
almost knightly affection. When a post office was finally estab¬
lished, he had it named Vergennes, in honor of his wife, whose native place
was Vergennes, in the Green Mountain State. Upon the adoption of a town¬
ship organization by the people of Jackson County, in the year 18 , the
name of the post office was given to the newly organized township.
The first settlers of this portion of the County, — which was not inhabited
for many years after smoke had curled up from cabins along the Muddy, the
Mississippi, and other parts of our County, — were from the eastern section
of the United States ; from the States of Vermont and New York. William
Doty made a claim in Vergennes in 1831. Immigrants arrived in 1833, and
consisted of the Tuthill’s and Rosses’. Their settlement was known far and
wide as the “ Yankee Settlement.” The majority of the inhabitants of Jack-
son, at that time, were from the South, and the queer customs and peculiar
speech of the down-easters excited their astonishment, and even their derision.
Many refused to neighbor with them, and some, it is said, moved to other
parts of the country to rid themselves of the presence of this strange people,
against whom their education had implanted strong prejudices. There was
one cause more than any other which excited astonishment. The Yankees did
not drink whiskey, and this was ground, in their estimation, for suspicion.
It exhibited a lack of taste which was considered deplorable, and which was
considered as evidence that the early education of these folks had been sadly
neglected. In those days the idea of total abstinence was entirely new to
the people of the West. Another cause of the unpopularity of the Yankees
was, that they seemed to possess high notions of living. They, as soon as
possible after their arrival, built frame houses and barns, an innovation that
excited great comment. These feelings, it is but fair to say, were only har¬
bored until better acquaintance showed that the new comers possessed many
worthy traits of character, were upright and honorable, thrifty and obliging.
The first settlers were but few, but were followed by many more, whose hearts
were stirred by the accounts received at their homes from those who had set¬
tled in the western world ; accounts of the fertile wilderness, with its magni¬
ficent forests and beautiful prairies, of the many kinds of game that abounded.
All came in wagons, drawn by good teams. They set energetically to work
felling trees and opening farms, and one of the fairest portions of the County
to-day, is the township of Vergennes. There are two small prairies in the
township : “ Cox’s Prairie,” which lies near the centre, and “ Tuthill’s Prai¬
rie,” which is north of this. There is a belt of land running through it, from
east to west, which is heavily timbered, and not very thickly settled at this
time. The south-western portion is divided from the rest by Beaucoup Creek,
which is the only stream of importance within its borders, unless we except
Glenn’s Creek, a tributary of Beaucoup. There is some rich bottom land in
the western part. The north part is broken, though not so much as to ren¬
der it incapable of cultivation; in fact nearly all of the Township consists
of arable land.
The forests contain several varieties of the oak : The post oak, white oak,
black oak, &c. ; the hickory, walnut (black), sweet gum, and elm. The
cherry, plum, sassafras, dog-wood, black haw, and persimmon also abound.
The whole township is underlaid with a good quality of coal, which was
first discovered while digging a well. There are quarries of sandstone in the
western part, which furnish an excellent quality of building stone.
True to the New England ideas, a school was soon established for the edu¬
cation of the youth, in a log-house reared for the purpcwe. The first school
was a subscription-school, and was taught by Daniel B. Tuthill, Sr., who was
120
the first settler in the township. The second was taught in the same place.*
by Miss Wells. The pupils made good progress, and in a few years there¬
after many of them engaged themselves in the noble occupation of teaching,
and it is said that Vergennes furnished more teachers than any other in the
County. Mr. Purdy, now a resident of Du Quoin, Perry Co-, but whose
sons are residents of this township, with the Rosses’, came in 1834.
The first religious association in this township was Methodist. Rev- Mr.
Barnes preached the first sermon in the township, at Mr. Purdy’s house.
Rev. Mr. Phelps was the first Presiding Elder after the settlements. The
most of the trading of this colony was done in St. Louis, to which point they
usually made two trips a year. Sometimes, when pressed for time, they went
only to Chester, in Randolph County. Most of the original settlers have
gone. Daniel Tuthill, son of John Tuthill, who was a brother of Daniel
Tuthill, Sr., mentioned above, is a resident of Tuthill’s Prairie.
When the township was first settled, deer were plentiful and wolves were
more than plentiful. The citizens were forced in order to save their pigs, to
pen them at night at the end of the house. Mares who were permitted to
foal in the woods, not unfrequently cast their offspring which were devoured
by wolves. Turkeys were thick, and many persons could imitate the call
to perfection, and hence were highly successful in hunting them.
We have said, tha(t nearly all of the soil of Vergennes is susceptible of
cultivation. You have but to “ tickle it with a hoe, and it will laugh with
a harvest.” But as yet, not nearly all is enclosed nor cultivated. Five
times her population may draw sustenance from her breast. There is no
need for young men to journey towards the setting sun in quest of homes.
Let them look around them in our own county, which is a fair land, and they
may find good homesteads which can be purchased at cheap rates, and which
need only resolute purpose and strong muscle to convert them into fields of
yellow grain.
The township of Vergennes is bounded on the north by Perry County, on
the east by Elk Township, on the south by Somerset and on the west by Ora.
The chief industry of her people is agricultural. John Tuthill, Sr., and
son D. B. Tuthill, Jr., had at one time a manufactory of measures, half
bushel, peck, four quart, two quart and quart. They marketed their pro¬
ducts at St. Louis. They owned also a saw-mill, and sawed the lumber for
their factory with it. Connected with this, was a grist-mill, which did cus¬
tom work two days in a week.
Thomas and Moses Ross, operated for many years a chair manufactory.
Joseph Holt owned a window sash manufactory, and supplied the market of
all this section of Illinois with' sash. He was the first to manufacture sash
in Jackson County.
The first township officers were voted for, at what is known as the “ Old
White school-house on Cox’s Prairie.” The following officers were elected
Township Commissioners : Jackson Grubb, Alfred Cox, and Chris. Hack.
Phillip R. Davis was at one time a Commissioner from this township. John
McNerney was chosen Assessor, and G. S. Holt, Collector. Richard Lidaky
was chosen town Clerk, and Hardy Crews, Justice of the Peace, while Ste¬
phen Grubb was elected Constable.
There are six school districts within the limits of Vergennes, each having
a comfortable school-house, and some of the buildings are more than re¬
spectable. When so many teachers have taught since the system of public
free-schools went into operation, it may be invjdious to mention any by
name. Two, however, have served the people so well that we, without de¬
siring to reflect upon the others, give their names. They are Mr. A. C.
Spencer and J. B. Wisely.
Allyn Grove Churoh, — so named in honor of Robt. Allyn, D.D., LL D.,
121
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
President of the Southern Illinois Normal University, — a Methodist Society
is located in the central portion. Rev. Mr. Farmer, organized the society
and got the work of erecting a building under way, before he was succeeded
by the Rev. Mr. Dowing, who was pastor in charge at the time the church
was built. The structure is of brick, very substantial, and well furnished.
It is thirty-two by fifty feet in size, and one story in height. There is a
Presbyterian Society in the north part of the township, of which Rev. Mr.
Templeton is pastor. Preaching services are held once a month in the school-
house, for as yet they have no church building. The United Brethren have
an organization in Cox’s prairie, and have occasional services. Rev. Mr.
Brock preaches for them.
The citizens as above stated are mostly engaged in farming. Messrs.
Hack and Morgan have a saw and grist-mill. They grind only corn. Mr.
Holt is a good farmer, and farms on an extended scale, as a'so does Mr.
Tuthill. Chris. Hack, William Hill and John Snyder, who has not been
many years in the township, are also thrifty and enterprising men, and good
farmers, as are also Messrs. Cline and Zaler. The citizens of this township
will compare favorably, in integrity, morality, education and religion, with
those of any other section of the County Vice .and gross immorality,
are almost unknown. They believe in schools ; they have churches in their
midst, to which they resort to hear of that other country to which all mer
are hastening.
A bright future is before her. Her* population is increasing, and shall
more increase. Not many years will elapse before the song of the sower
will be heard, as he scatters the golden grain over furrowed acres that, un¬
reclaimed, now are covered with the same forest, under whose shade the
poor Indian laid him down to rest.
1
,9
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOHN B. ROSSON, M.D.
Was the sou of Osburu and Rebecca Rosson. Osburn Rosson was a native
of Norih Carolina. His wife was a cousin of Gen. Forrest, and was raised
and educated in the same neighborhood, Marshall County, Tennessee. The
subject of our sketch was born in Marshall County, Tennessee, Nov. 30th,
1847. He was brought up on a farm, and attended the common schools till
the age of seventeen, when he entered the Troy Academy, of Tennessee.
After about four months, the professor was taken to Rock Island by the
Federal forces and made prisoner. That broke up the academy for the
time. He then came north* and entered the Centralia Academy, where he
remained for about eight months. He then returned to the Troy Academy,
and resumed his studies. After about a year, he returned north to Jackson
County and. taught school and studied medicine for about five years. He
then entered the Medical College of Ohio, and graduated March 1st, 1872.
He then commenced the practice of medicine in Jackson County, where he
has practised since. He is a member of the Southern Illinois Medical Asso¬
ciation, and was a delegate to the State Medical Association in the year
1877. While attending the Troy Academy, of Tennessee, he studied, under
Professor Charles Wright, phonography, or short-hand writing, and suc¬
ceeded in qualifying himself for a verbatim reporter, having reported speeches,
word for word, as they were spoken, in Jackson County, and also clinical
lectures, in the Cincinnati and Good Samaritan Hospitals, at Cincinnati.
March 26th, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Louie Perry, a resident
of this County. They have one child. Politically he is a Democrat. Dr.
Rosson is yet young, but is destined to make his mark in his chosen profes¬
sion, if we do not greatly mistake our guess. He has energy, ability and all
the elements of success.
JACKSON GRUBB
Was the son of William and Mary Grubb. William Grubb was a native
of Tennessee. His father moved to Kentucky when he was a boy. When
grown he married and emigrated to what is now Jackson County, in the
year 1816. He raised a family of five children. He was in the war of 1812.
He died in the year 1854. The subject of our sketch was born in Jackson
County, October 29th, 1823. Being now among the few natives that were
born within the limits of the county prior to 1825, he now lives within half
a mile of the place where he was born. He resided at home during his mi¬
nority, working on the farm and attending school. March 3d, 1845, he was
joined in marriage to Miss Delila House, a native of North Carolina. To this
union they have had a family of nine children born to them, seven living,
viz. John W., Elizabeth B., William H., Hawkins P., George R., Harlan
S. and Willard Marcus. John W. and William H. are married and live
in Perry County. Elizabeth B. is now the wife of George Yearian, and also
lives in Perry County. The remaining four children are living at home. Mr.
Grubb lost his oldest son, Stephen S. in the late war. He died in a Southern
prison, at Florence, South Carolina. He was captured at the battle of Gun-
town, Tennessee. Politically he is a Democrat; he has-never aspired for any
political favors, believing he could make his mark by improving a model
farm. He is firm but not stubborn, social yet reserved ; liberal in his views
and benevolent, truthful and fair-dealing in his business and social life. Such
is an outline record of one of the most faithful and successful farmers in
Vergennes Township.
DE SOTO TOWNSHIP
EE SOTO is one of the Eastern tier of townships, being bounded on
the north by Elk, on the east by Williamson County, on the
south by Carbondale, and on the west by Somerset. It is for the
most part level, well watered, and timbered. The Muddy River
enters from the east, and pursues its course, with many meanderings, towards
the west. The Little Muddy brings its tribute of waters from the north,
and joins the larger current of Big Muddy at a point a little east of the
exact centre of the township. Crab Orchard Creek enters from the south,
after receiving near its junction with the Big Muddy the waters of the Little
Crab Orchard.
The entire township is underlaid with rich veins of coal. Only one shaft
exists worthy of mention, although borings have been made and the presence
of veios demonstrated by different parties. The Illinois Central Railroad
passes through from north to south. Over the Muddy the company have
erected a fine iron bridge. The County has constructed over the river, at a
point just below the railroad bridge above named, a very superior bridge, the
approaches of which are wood, but the central span is iron. De Soto town¬
ship was originally heavily timbered. It still contains great forests of woods
common to this section, and produces annually large quantities of the best
kinds of lumber. It is well provided with grist-mills and saw-mills.
De Soto township is almost exclusively agricultural. Many excellent
farmers till the fertile soil in this section. Where so many are deserving of
mention, it would seem invidious to give the names of only a few, and space
forbids notice of all.
The people of De Soto township are well provided with school-houses and
houses of worship, and are law-abiding, industrious, and thrifty.
John Gill, Sr., who came to Jackson County in the winter of 1813-14,
lives here respected by all. Peter Keifer is a resident of De Soto.
Here lives Jas. H. Bradley, one of the old citizens of the County. Henry
Kimmel, distantly related to old Peter Kimmel, settled south of the town of
De Soto on Muddy in 1840. He afterwards moved to Elk township. Josiah
Cully came to Illinois in 1836 ; settled first in Bradley precinct, then known
as the Bradley neighborhood. He was from Posey County, Indiana. He
was father of Joseph H. Cully of this township, ex-Sheriff, and of R. J.
Cully, now wife of Judge Bradley, of De Soto.
Peter Keifer came into the township in 1855. He had been a resident of
the County since 1 833.
Robert Beasley, President of the Board of County Commissioners, and
who has made an efficient and faithful servant, has his home here.
TOWN OF DE SOTO.
This pleasant town lies near the centre of the township of the same name,
and is situated mainly on the west side of the line of the Illinois Central
Railroad. It was laid out and surveyed by CJaiborn Barrow, lately de¬
ceased, County Surveyor, under direction of the owner of the land, David A.
Neal, of Salem, Mass., and certified to by him, October 18th, 1854. The
plat was certified to by Mr. Barrow on the 27th day of November, 1854, and
recorded at the County seat on January 16th, 1855. The site is a beautiful
one for a town. To the south, at a distance of nearly two miles, is seen the
dense line of timber that marks the course of the yellow sluggish stream, Big
Muddy. The town is built on land considerably higher than is found to the
north and south for some distance. It is surrounded by good land, the major
part of which is under excellent cultivation. The population is not far from
1,000.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND BUSINESS FIRMS.
1'he town contains three church buildings and four religious organizations.
One of the churches was built jointly by the Methodist Episcopal Church
South and the Baptist. It is of brick, and was erected at a cost of $2,500.
The Lutheran and Christian denominations have erected good houses of
worship.
The school-house is a very substantial two-story structure. The school is
graded into two departments, the higher of which is taught by W. E. Young,
Principal, and the lower by Miss Sarah Saul, Assistant.
There is a very excellent three-story frame hotel edifice, in charge of
“ mine host,” J. V. Brown. De Soto has two mills. The first in importance
is the large flouring-mill of R. A. Beasley & Co., situated in the north part
of the town to the east of the railroad. This is one of the largest and best
mills in the county, and its brands of flour command good prices in market.
J. West & Co. have a custom-mill and saw-mill, who do a good business.
Drugs and general merchandise are sold by the two firms of Davis Brothers
and Redd & Swofford. H. Jacobs, J. F- & A. T. Bridges, and S. F. Walker
are dealers in dry-goods.
An excellent blacksmith establishment is kept by Mostaller & Morgan.
There are two cooper shops, and an extensive stave and heading factory, con¬
ducted by Jacobs & Dickey.
BIG LAKE TOWNSHIP.
N the County map this is erroneously laid down as Fountain Bluff
Township. Fountain Bluff is in the southern part of this divi¬
sion, and here the G. T. & C. Railroad has a station. Among
the early settlers were S. and W. Mansker. Captain William
Brown lived at one time in this township, near what is called “ Duncan
Mill Slough.”
Matthew Duncan came from Kaskaskia, where he had held the position of
territorial printer, and settled in 1815. He was brother of Joseph Duncan,
who came to the township in 1818. Dr. Duncan, died and was buried there.
The family was large and intelligent. There was a mill here, which Joseph
Duncan improved and operated for some years, doing a good business. He
built a house which was superior to those of the section, and which was
known as long as it stood, as the “ White House.”
122
GAME.
Big Lake is the hunter’s paradise. As regularly as the seasons pass, in
bright procession, come from far off York State, and Pennsylvania, from
Ohio and Indiana, from Missouri and Kentucky, and from the northern part
of our own beautiful State, ardent and skillful hunters, to enjoy the unsur¬
passed shooting, furnished in this part of the County.' If an elegant hotel
were erected at Fountain Bluff, there is scarcely a doubt, but that the un¬
equalled scenery and fine shooting of the region, would, after a short time,
cause a tide of humanity, bent on sight-seeing and pleasure, to set towards
the place.
The famed lakea of Maine furnish no better duck shooting, than do the
lakes and swamps of Big Lake Township. All who come, go back enchanted,
to spread the news of the abundance and variety of game to be found within
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
123
our limits. A few remarks on Game, Bird.-, Animals and Fish, seem appro¬
priate here, together with some observations on the huntsman’s sport.
The seasons for duck shooting are fall and spring, when the surface -of our
lagoons are literally covered with wild fowl, that have stopped from their
flight to enjoy a season of rest. All summer long, they called each other
from the reedy sedges and marshes of the far north, which they quit on the
approach of the frost line, to wing their way in aerial caravans, southward,
to more pleasant climes, bringing to the thoughtful inhabitant of more south¬
ern regions, ths tidings that winter is on his southward march toward the
tropical circle. They arrive here from the middle to the last of September,
varying as does the season. In the spring, they stop from their northward
flight, near the first of March. The following are the species most notable ;
occasionally there is killed here, the famed Oanvass-back Duck ( Anas Valisi-
neria ) but it is a rara avis in our County.
Ruffle-headed Duck (Anas A Ibeola). — This is more commonly known under
the appellation of Butter-box or Butter Ball : it is well flavored; is notfouDd
in great numbers.
Pintail Duck ( Anas Acuta). — This is often called the Sprigtail, and is very
common. It is the last to arrive and first to go. It is a cautious bird,
and feeds in the mud flats and marshes of the bottom. It is elegantly
formed, with a long body, the neck being longer and more slender than most
others. This duck taxes to their utmost, the skill and vigi^nce of the sports¬
man.
Summer Duck or Wood Duck ( Anas Sponsa). — This is the most beautiful
of its tribe, and its exceeding richness and variety of coloring, cause it to be
very greatly admired. It is the only species that breeds in our County. It
is called Wood Duck, from the fact that it breeds in hollow trees. They
generally fly in pairs, seldom in flocks of more than three or four. This is
the only arboreal species found on the western continent. In India are some
0/ like habits.
Mallard ( Anas Baschas). — This is the common Wild Duck, and hence
needs no description. From it has descended the dom'esticated duck, so service¬
able to man, and on that account is a very interesting species. It is found
in vast numbers at the proper season. Its flesh is justly held in high estima¬
tion, and many are the stratagems invented by hunters to deceive the wary
bird and gain the coveted shot-
Green Winged Teal ( Anas Crecca). — This is a fresh water duck, flying
in flocks of 50 and more. It may be found in our city markets and is in
good favor.
Blue Winged Teal ( Anas Discore). — This is one of the earliest to return
from its northern habitats. Being delicate it is very susceptible of cold and
flees southward as soon as the first frosts appear. The flesh is excellent.
Spoon Bill . — This duck flies with the Mallard, from which it can be dis¬
tinguished only on near approach by its greater size and the peculiarity of
its bill.
Fish Duck. — This has a narrow bill.
Brant. — One kind known here has a head very like a turkey buzzard.
Canada Goose ( Anas Canadensis). — This is the common wild goose of the
United States, and is known throughout the entire Continent. They have
been seen by hardy adventurers beyond the arctic circle steadily flying to¬
wards that pole, which, on account of the mystery that surrounds it, has
lured so many bold mariners to au icy grave. They reach here in the fall
from the awful solitudes of the north and return as soou as spring thaws
the ice.
White Swan. — This elegant bird is met with not unfrequently and merits
attention on account of its great size and beautiful plumage. It is the last
visitant from the north. If the winter is mild they go no further towards
the line than this latitude, but if it is severe it seeks a warmer temperature.
Jack Snipe, or Wilson's Snipe. — Snipe shooting is in the fall, as there are
no marshes suited to them.
YeUow-shanked Snipe. — Few are found here.
Woodcock (Scolopax Minor). — Nocturnal, few in numbers.
Rails ( Rallus Carolinas). — This little bird affords superior sport.
Plovers. — Found in spring in large flocks.
Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Pheasant. — This is a rare bird.
Quail. — This noble bird is found in vast quantities.
The wild turkey also is met with, though more rarely than one would wish.
Hunters find ducks in spring in the glades where mast is plenty, but in
the fall they come to the lakes. The Grand Tower and Carbondale Rail¬
road will bring the sportsman to within three miles of his destination, the
Big Lake. Boats are used to some extent.
The staple product of this township is corn. The soil is not surpassed in
depth and richness by any portion of the County. A portion of Big Lake
Township is subject to overflow, but with this drawback excepted, it is one
of the most productive regions in the great valley.
Geologists tell us that the river once flowed through the center of this
township, and eastward of the Big Hill many things seem to give this hypo¬
thesis a plausible coloring.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
WILLIAM W. H. MANSKER, Esq.
Is a native of Jackson County, Illinois, born at Big Eddy, March 2d, 1837.
He is the second child of William and Nancy Mansker, who were also na¬
tives of Illinois. Young William had only very limited opportunities for
gaining an education, but with a strong will, he steadily and persist¬
ently applied himself, and succeeded in gaining the rudiments of a good
English education.
The same will and determination he evidenced in gaining an education
has enabled him to secure a competency, though starting in life almost penni¬
less. He now enjoys the fruits of his industry and thrift on his farm, one of
the finest in the township. On the 7th of September, 1856, he married Miss
Sarah M. HensoD, daughter of B. F. Henson, one of the early pioneers of the
County. They have had a family of five children, onlv two of whom are
now living. During the rebellion Mr. Mansker was a strong advocate and
supporter of the Union cause, insisting that an active and vigorous prosecu¬
tion of the war was the only way to forever dispose of the vexed question of
slavery, and ensure peace and safety to the entire country. Believing thus,
he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has voted for and supported
each subsequent President. He has always been identified with the Repub¬
lican party, earnestly upholding its principles, in the firm belief that its
policy is best adapted to the interests and prosperity of the whole country.
He has been post-master of Fountain Bluff for almost ten years, filling the
position acceptably to all concerned. He was also the first supervisor
elected in his township after the adoption of township organization. Mr.
Mansker is a man whose life has been one of industry and integrity, in con¬
sequence of which lie enjoys the unbounded confidence and respect of his
friends and neighbors.
BUSINESS
NOTICES.
A. H. ROBERTS.
Murphy sbor o’ , Illinois.
Dealer in hardware, tinware, stoves, woodeuware, queensware, glassware,
groceries and provisions, also a large stock of plain and fine furniture at
prices that defy competition. Mr. Roberts takes especial pride in his un¬
dertaking department, which is complete in every particular, he having pro¬
vided himself with a magnificent Hearse, together with a very fine stock of
burial cases and coffins. Charges reasonable. This is one of the houses that
we can cheerfully recommend for its honest dealing.
WAGNER BROTHERS,
Druggists, of Ava, dealers in drugs, patent medicines, oils, paints, dyes,
family groceries and provisions ; also, the largest stock of notions in Jack-
son County. You can’t call for anything usually kept in a first-class drug or
grocery store that you will not find there. If you have any produce to sell
go and see them. The Wagner Brothers have identified themselves with the
interests of the county, and should be patronized.
E. LOOSLEY & Co.
Logan’s Corner, Murphysboro' , Illinois.
Grocers and Bakery. The proprietors of this store have just opened one
of the finest stock of staple, and fancy groceries, provisions, tobaccos, teas,
queensware, glassware, stoneware, flour, meal, green and dried fruits,
notions, &c., in southern Illinois, which they propose to sell as cheap as
the cheapest. They also pay the highest cash price for produce of all kinds.
The proprietors pay special attention to the bakery department, and have
constantly on hand, fresh cakes, pies and bread of their own baking. This
firm having done business in Murphysboro’ for ten years, and knowing the
wants of their customers, flatter themselves that they will be able to give
them satisfaction in all cases.
Wf Take your baskets and purses— go and see them — have a square meal and
be happy.
HUSBAND A RUSSELL.
The pioneer merchants of Ava, have for sale everything usually found in a
first class country store, iu the shape of dry-goods, clothing, boots and shoes,
hats and caps, gloves, hosiery, fancy goods of every description ; also,
groceries and provisions, etc., etc.
Husband & Russell came to Ava among the first who are now in business
there; in fact they can be said to be the fathers of the town in a business
point of view. They have studied closely the wants of their customers, and
have always beeu ready to meet them. As an evidence of this fact, they
have just completed and are occupying one of the finest store-rooms in
Southern Illinois, where all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life
may be found.
NEW LIVERY STABLE,
W. S. ATKINS,
New man, new horses and new buggies in Murphysboro’, Illinois. P. W.
Griffith, has opened a livery and feed stable at the old stand of Peltzer, for
the accommodation of the traveling public. Where he will keep at all
times," the best of turnouts at reasonable prices; travelling men, go and
see him.
West Side of the Square, Carbondale, Illinois, dealer in stoves, tinware,
hardw*are, plows, machinery, etc., etc. ; roofing, guttering, and job work in
tin made a specialty. Our patrons will find at this house one of the most
complete stocks of stoves and fixtures in the country. Mr. Atkins is a man
who thoroughly understands his business ; and with his knowledge of the
wants of his customers fully expects and merits a full share of their patronage
KENNEDY & ROSS.
GORDON & BIGELOW,
Murphysboro' , Illinois.
General Merchants, Ava, Illinois, dealers in dry-goods, clothing, boots
Dealers in furniture, stoves, tinware, queensware, glassware, wooden-
ware, groceries and provisions, also a full stock of oils, paints, glass, lime,
cement, hair, &c., in fact, nearly everything needed by the builder or in the
family. They make a specialty of farm machinery, having the agency, and
deal in the best manufactured ; such as the Champion Reaper and Mower,
the Mitchell wagon, plows, drills, harrows, hay-rakes, &c., &c. The ladies will
also find there, most of the best sewing machines at manufacturers’ prices.
Our patrons will find this firm strictly honest, and reliable. Their goods
are just as they are represented, and the proprietors gentlemen.
and shoes, hats and caps, groceries,., provisions, produce, etc., etc. ; in fact
everything found in a first-class store; and everything is sold at “ bed-rock”
prices. This house buys goods for cash, and the proprietors are determined
not to be undersold.
Their customers, who are scattered all over the north part of Jackson
County, say that they can be depended upon for fair and honest dealing.
This house makes a speciality of the wool trade, buying large quantities
of it for cash and in exchange for goods. They also keep and sell the
“Sparta Woolen Mills” (McClurken’s) goods, such as jeans, flannels, yarns,
blankets, linseys, etc , at factory prices.
124
KOSTER OF -ENLISTED MEN
IN THE
LATE REBELLION.
SEVENTH INFANTRY.
Company A.— John A. C. Floyd, Anderson Hughs, David Meyers, J. W. Queen, Wm.
Young,* Samuel Brown. Joshua T, Davis, Geo. W. Cox, Armstead Floyd ,* Wm. O. Parrish*
Frederick Schmidgall, Frederick Schoch.
EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Company G.— Wm. A. Saylor, Second Lieutenant ; Chas. W. Buman, Wm. I. Deeson, Philip
Gill, Wm. De Son, Francis M. Gosnell.
NINTH INFANTRY.
Company C. — Donis Graham.
Company D. — Joseph Beck, James Gare, James Hall, Wm. Kaelberer, James Underwood.
Company F. — Richard C. Scott, Jones or Jas. L. Hicks, Toliver Foster,* Wm. Forby, James
M. Greathouse, James W. Herald, George McLeish* Wm. T. Miller, Eli T. Singleton* Wm.
Tope, Geo. W. Warren.
Company G. — Isaac Clemens, Captain; John S. Tutton, First Lieutenant; John Worthen*
John E. Glenn, Corporal ; Musician, Franklin Winchester ; Corporal, Jacob Benjamin ; Corpo¬
ral, John Collier, Joe! Addison, Columbus C. Akin, Henry Brown, John W. Brown, Nathaniel
G. Brown, Wm. L. Brown, Francis A. Brown* John S. Bradbury, Russell R. Cox, John U.
Derossett, Elijah Garrett,* J. W. Hall, Henry^W. Harris, Wm. Hunter,* Wm. Hagler, David
W. Jones,* Hamilton Lipe* Jackson Lipe, James A. Paregieu, Anderson Pyron, Robt. Ross,*
A. R. Tutton, Richard J. Worthen, Stephen Welsh, John McCann, Warren S. White, James
M» Brown, B. F. Brown, Chas. W. Babbitt, John S. Bradbury, Caleb Graham, Oliver Gosh-
nell, James P. Hall,* T. J. Pleasant, James Walker,* John W. Wilson.
Company H. — Isaac Smith.
Company /. — Emanuel Davis, Charles Davis.
Company A".— First Sergeant. Andrew J. Snider, Chas. W. Bowles, Wm. J. Hagler, Thomas
J. Hagler, Wm. R. Lipe, Aaron Lipe, JohnObearts Andrew J. Saylor.
NINTH INFANTRY
Company E. — Davis McStruble.
Company G. — Wm. F. Bouscher, John Cheatham, Abraham B. Chew, Dessney Crain, Phineas
Creath, Patrick Fitzgerald, Henry Holliday, John W. L. Needham, Joshua Woolsey, Richard
Woolsey.
ELEVENTH INFANTRY.
Company D. — Abraham D. Allen.
Company E. — Geo. Bridgman.
Company K. — Wm. H. Reed, Lewis Wagoner.
TWELFTH INFANTRY.
Company G. — Jesse Nicholson.*
EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY.
Company C. — Colonel, David H. Bush ; Adjutant, Samuel T. Brush ; Captains Hezekiah C.
Hodge, Michael A. Killion ; Second Lieutenant, Benjamin Redfield ; ist Sergeant, Arthur M.
Lee; Second Sergeants, Frederick W. Walters, H. W. Williams, S. S. Hodges;* Corporals.
Thomas J. Cross, Daniel Bagwell, James M. Heris,* Wm. Downs,* Wm. Hill, John Culley,
Lewis A. Killion, Jacob P. Carr; Musician, Wm. H. Stone; Carroll Anderson, J. B. Asbury,
J. H. Bagwell, J. H. Bradiy, Isaac A. Bradly, F. J. Barrow, Lewis T. Barrow,* J. D. Barrow,
Jasper Bfcnson, Wm. Benefield, Cyrus Bradly, Leander Bradley, Wm. R. Carter, Henry Chea-
them, Col. A. Casey, Napoleon Collins, James M. Collins,* S. R. Casey, Geo. Creath, Jasper
Creekpaum, John Collins, Dively or Lively, John C., Wm. R. Duncan, Alfred Duclue, Addison
Dobbs, Elias Edwards, Jesse H. Elmore, John Fry, Jacob Garver, Samuel T. Glenn, James C.
Glasscock, Wm. Hand* Silas Killion, Henry J. Killion, Wm. H. Killion,* Wm. F. Killion,
John Kellor, P. J. Kellor, Wm. J. King, Thomas R. Lee, W. Y. Lee, J. M. Modgelin, Samuel
H. McClary, J. C. Mifiin, Benj. F. Noe, Louis Phelps, Benjamin P. Prickett, Hillary Popejoy,
Simon Phillbrick, Wm. Popejoy* M. H. Stevens, Montgomery Stevens, Starling Smith, Wiley
C. Stone, Clark Smith, H. E. Steel,* Wm. M. Smith, John B. Stamp, Wm. T. Taylor, James
Uhles, James Woosley, Edward Williams, Josiah Ward, Adam Wine, Francis M. Ward, Lar¬
kin J. Walters.*
Company D. — Miley Matthey, Joshua S. Stauteppor, James McDrath.
Company F. — Michael Dowds, Joseph J. U. Boreland, Wm. M. Carter, Wm. Dobbs.
Company G. — First Lieutenant, Joseph B. Thorp.
Company K. — Captain, Asgill Connes ; First Lieutenants, John W. Laurence, Roland R.
Brush, John L. Tuthill, Jesse Temple ; First Sergeant, Roland R. Brush : Sergeants, J. B.
Thorp, Geo. W. Kelly, Albert W. Adams, Gilbert G. Lowe, John L. Tuthill ; Corporals, Cyrus
Lamer, Wm. H. Prickett* Jefferson Phelps, James T. Milligan, Joseph Ennisson, Henry A.
Ingersoll, E. H. Bush; Musician. G. Wiley Cox ; Charles Adams, Richard W. Babbitt, Thomas
H. Booth,* A. R. Bender, Patrick Blake* Samuel Brewster, Samuel T. Brush, Martin V. Baile,
John Bookman, Charles O. Buckingham, Wm. G. Baile, Wm. H. Conner, John H. Crenshaw,
James H. Campbell, Samuel Crowl, Daniel Crowley, Wm. Crowell, John Clark, James D.
Cooper, Phil. De Witt Clinton* Ambus Crowell, Daniel Sanford, Thomas A. Dixon, Jacob
Torbush, Russell Ewing, Patrick Ganey, Patrick Gallager, Thomas Gallager, Finis Hamilton,
Wm. D. Harris, Thomas F. Hord, Amos B. Hayes, Joseph W. Imhoff, T. R. Kelly, John P.
King, Freeman King, Thomas L.. Martin* Thomas Morgan, Thomas McCartney, James Mc-
Rath, Hugh Mulligan, John N. Neal, Alonzo N. Owens, Chas. L. Ridgway, Chas. W. Ross, E.
A. Richards, Wm. Rouse,* Thomas Richards, Thomas Redington, Wm. Richards, Thomas
Swafford, James E. Stoneum, Henry W. Troabaugh, Jesse Temple, Granville Taylor,* John C.
H. Vass, Geo. L. Williams, Russell Winchester, Henry A. Watkins* Chapman Ward, Charles
F. Adams, Moses Calvin* Wm. R. Crowell* Samuel J. Caswell, James H. Calvin,* Thomas
Champion, Moses Farmer, John Finley, Alonzy Glove, John T. Hindman,* Geo. A. Hudson,
Geo. C. Jarboe, Thomas Tuaay, Charles Woolf, Samuel F. Winchester, James W. Winchester,
John W. Buselark, Wm. H. Stanton.
TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
Company H. — Captain, McHenry Brooks; First Lieutenant, Frederick C. Bierer; Second
Lieutenant, Herbert Wyman,* Sergeants, Janies H Luttrell, Daniel W. Clough, Daniel W.
Boone, Wm. Holladay ; Corporals, John Vote, John Will, Andrew B. Crew, Peter W. Bower, *
Joseph D. Whitson, Levi V. Phillips; Musician's, John Garner, Benjamin Richards]; James An¬
derson,* Robert W. Abernathy, Talbert Boucher, Geo. Butcher, Wm. Bagwell, John Bass,
Peter Bowlby,* John L. T. Cowell, Daniel Creath, John Cheatham, Thomas Cheatham, Mather
Compton, Robartus Clara,* John A. Dunn* Robert or P. H. Duncan, Jesse Doughterty, W. W.
Derrossett, James J. Edmonds. Frank Fager,* Alfred H. Fulford, James R. Gregory, James
Gray,* Jesse C. Henson, Wm. T. Hyeres, Benj. F. Henson,* Thomas Hicks,* James H. [ones,
Jacob King, Thomas Kinney, Frederick B. King,* Joseph Knight, Richard 'Lee, Jacob La-
barge, James Lamon, David G. McClue, James A. Martin,* John W. L. Needhams, Jackson
Nice, Geo. Patterson, James W. C. Phillips, John W. Reed, Sol. Ringle, Allen Rood, Peter
Sorrels,* Wm. Sorrels, Hale Sorrels, Josiah Spangler, Louis Smith, Squire Talbert, James Tope,
Shaseley E. Thomas* M. W. Tanner, Wm. A. Thompson,* Francis M. Vought,* Elias Vau-
cel,* Geo. Wilson,* Orlando F. Whipkey, Chas. A. A. Wagoner, Philip Wolfe, Andrew J.
Wheeler, Wm. R. Wooton, Wm. T. Bousher, J. L. T. Cowell, A. B. Chew, John Cheatham,
Disney Crain, Phineas Creath, Pat. Fitzgarland, Sol. Ringler, Joshua Tv lor,* Wm. Boone,*
Fiancis Builderback,* Disney Crain, Hiram Edmonds, Elbridge Holliday,* Henrv Holliday, T.
H. Nations, Daniel Painter,* Wm. Painter,* John Price, Benj. B. Roberts, Alex." Richards.’ Jo¬
seph Sorrels,* Geo. W. Sweet,* Valentine Tabors, Joshua Tyler, John H. Vaught,* Jacob Wolf,
Richard Woosley, Joshua Woosley.
THIRTY-FIRST INFANTRY.
Company A. — Colonels, John A. Logan, (promoted to Major General), Lindorf Osborn ;
Quartermaster, Michael 7. Swortzcope ; Sergeants, Albert Swortzcope, Michael C. Swortzcope ;
Joseph Bastian, Jacob Boweas, Cornelius Boles Peter Bolly, Martin S. Childers, Abel F. Davis,
Philip L. Davis, Thomas Marshall, Marcus G. Reynolds, David M. Reynolds, Charles N. Nea-
therford, Wm. White.
Company B. — Frank Kline.
Company C. — Wm. R. Gasaway, Robert King, Richard McHaney, Elias M. Russell.
Company D. — Joseph B. Denning,* Samuel Gray, Andrew Graff, Ananias Imhoff, James Im¬
hoff, ThomasJ. Mohler, Monroe Martin, John Pate, Matthew Pate,* Lewis Welsh.
Company Er. — First Lieutenant, Thomas M. Logan ; Sergeants, John S. Prickett;* Hezekiah
Cox, Cyrus Denning, Alexander Gentry, Jeremiah Hiller,* James Adkison,* John W. Brook-
man, Anthus Dlan* John Haltwick, Thomas J. Henly* Thomas J. Hughs, Edward Hughs,
Ezra G. Johnson, James Phifer, Thomas J. Prurat, Isaac W. Reynolds, V. B. Sheets, Henry
Thelford, David Vandergraff.
Company G. — Corporals, John Dollinger, James W. Smith, John B. Sewell ;* Reuben Baren,
James M. Jarvis, Wm. G. Leftivitch,* James Winget, J. M. Jarvis, James Y. Wilkins, Daniel
Helms.
Company H. — Captain, Horace L. Bowyer ;* Sergeant, Holden Brantley ; Corporal, Spencer
M. Goodson ; Musicians, James P. Thomas, John H. Colp, John Bushbv, James H. Donihoo,
W. H. Draper, James M. Ervin,* Stephen Gohram,* Wm. Inghan, Sylvester S. Kidd, John W.
Lippsey, Michael McCarty,* Vardimin L Minton, Joseph Skipworth, Michael Stone, Wm.
Butcher, James J. Gill, John Gill. Robert Garrett, Augustine M. Jenkins, John Roberts.
Company / — Edward R. Reeder.
Company K. — Francis J. Dero,* Andrew Foot, John N. Patterson, Urias Burnis, Joseph N.
Smith, Robt. G. Weir.
THIRTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
Company G. — John Blewer, James Gray, David McCoy, Troy Modglin, Samuel Prickett'
Samuel D. Smith, Henry B. Smith, Wm. B. Smith, Antwine Site.*
THIRTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
1 Company C. — Patrick Dilffey, Philip Dwyre,* Michael Dwyre.
Company E. — Wm. H. Bowie.
FIFTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
Company K. — Alfred L. Needham.
SIXTIETH INFANTRY.
Company A. — John H. Demont,* Licurgous Slavious.*
Company C. — Mercis Dorway, John Perrido, Samuel Ward,* Franklin M. Welty.
Company E. — Enoch Burton, Wm. T. Clark, Timothy Clark, Samuel J. Caswell, Charles
Daniels, Henry Long, Wm. S. Martin, Steven M. Medley, Alfred Ollen, Elisha A. Googwin,
Silas G. Gully, Chas. King, John B. Morris* Thomas Seguin, Wm. H. Wilson.
Company G. — Jacob Brush, Jonathan Reeder, Thomas G. Short, Jacob Bruce, j]
SIXTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
Q. M. Sergeant, John Gastrick, Elverten Claflin.
Company E. — Seth Reynolds, Daniel Reynolds,* J. M. V. Smith, V. P. Wallace, James Kil¬
patrick.*
Company G. — Arthur Bennett, John Gastrack, Harrison Lipe, Isaac Millhouse, John Pyron*
John Silber, Francis M. Shepard, Andrew J. Sanford, John W. Thornton,* John Willson.
SEVENTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
Captain, Ezekiel J. Ingersol ; Sergeant Major, Daniel M. Davis.
Company I. — James Avery, Joseph Jarvis, John Kinkaid.
Company K. — Sergeants, Daniel M. Davis, Daniel Heiple, Geo. B. Corry ; Corporals, Henry
Hinchcliff, Franklin Glidewell,* Jacob Millhouse, Oliver P. Fulton, Geo. W. Outman;* Musi¬
cians, Chas. Purdy; Samuel G. Austin,* Geo. Andrews* John Beam,* Andrew Bourland, Ed-
* Refers to those in the death list, who were killed, or those who died while in service.
125
* Refers to those in the death list, who were killed, or those who died while in service.
126
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
ward T. Brown. Steven Bush. Daniel S. Bridges, J. R. Crews,* Robinson Crews, Levi Crews,*
Augustus H. Chitty, Elias G. Cox, John H. Cox,* James P. Deason.* Thomas H. Davis?* Cyrus
Farner,* Harrison Farner,* Isaac Freedline,* Charles Forrest, Wiley Gray, John W. Grove,
Joseph Hill, Joseph Heiple, Franklin Heiple, John Heiple, De Witt C. Holt, Leander Holt,
Joseph Hall,* Samuel Hamilton, James Hays, Moses W. Jackson,* Geo. Kolb, Michael Len-
neue, Lonsford Lenallen, Henry C. Morgan, Chas. Morgan* Benajah Morgan, Martin
Moody,* Henry Nosley, Henry O’Brien, W. R. Pool,* James V. Pool, John W. Parrish*
Henry T- Purdy,* Wm. Phelps,* Olvas Rude, John Rodman, Levi Riceling, Wm. Russell,
James Riley, James P. Smith, Peyton R. Storey, Benj. Speith, Elijah Stacy, Robert Simpson,
Harlan P. Tuthill, John V. Vernom* Adam Vernam,* Franklin Walker, James Avery,* Joseph
Jarvis,* John Kinkaid.
EIGHTIETH INFANTRY.
Company A. — Corporals, John A. Hust, Cornelius Duncan, Harvey Belderback, Victor
Glodo ; Musician, James J Clark; Charles M. Asbury, Alvin B. Asher, Elisha Bradshaw, Josiah
D. Bradshaw, John Brees, Wm. Boon, James R. Borne, Samuel Clevenger. McHenry Cross,*
John M. Curless, Francis W. Cross,* John D. Duncan,* Asa J. Doggett* Samuel B. Franklin,
Victor Glode, Thomas B. Gray, Samuel L. Hamilton, Emanuel Hillin,* Wm. Pi Hardy, James
H. Isom, Richard M. Johnston, John Johnston* Hiram B. Lee, Wm. C. McCormack, Robert
McLaughlin,* Moses McConnell Linzy Pitman,* Henry Pointer ,* J. H. Snell,* James C. Snell,*
John H. Stone, Jonathan Underhill, Wm. Wilkerson.*
EIGHTY-FIRST INFANTRY.
Colonel, Andrew W. Rogers ; Chaplain, Wm. S. Post.
Company A. — Com. Sergeant, John A. Hull; Musician, Wm. W. Cox; Richard W. Ma-
ginis, Chas. Sczroskey.
C.mpany B. — Captains, Thomas Hightower, John W. Grammar, Edmund Newsome Elbert
Childers; Second Lieutenants, Josiah Goodwin, Wm. Sykes, Hamilton Jenkins; Wm. Sykes,
First Sergeant; Sergeants, Samuel Winchester, Edmond Newsome, Wm. Hooker, John Holt*
Wm. J. Braswell; Corporals, A. J. Hagler, Jacob Braswell, Milas Crowell, John B. McCamcy,
Hamilton Jenkins, Harrison Lype* Wade H. Winchester; Musicians, John Brewster, Green
Crowell; Wagoner, Chas. M. Crowell ;* Israel Addison, James H. Akins, Newton Anderson,
Wm. G. Arms,* Henry K. W. Beaman, Mac. Blackwood, Wm. Blackwood. Holden Brantley,*
Ashton Brewer, Calvin Brewer, J. J. Brewster,* Pat. Branman, Wm. Cacke,* Elbert Childers,
Milton'Childers, Wm. Cooper, W. R. Crave, Samuel Crenshaw, Thomas Crenshaw, Allen Cro¬
well, Ambrose Crowell, Benj. A. Crowell, Thomas J. Davis, Wm. A. Deniston, Robt. G. Drew,
Jasper poster, John Foster,* Steven Galliher,* Edmond Hagler, George Hagler,* Henry N.
Hagler, Isaac Hagler, Isra Hagler, Hathias Hagler, Wm. Hagler, Walter Hanson,* Lafayette
Hamilton* Wm. Hanson,* John K. Hightower, Abraham Hiller,* Peter J. Hiller, Adear Hol¬
der,* Wm. Holder, William Jacobs,* Edward Jones, James Jukes,* James Kawada,* Wm. Ka-
wada,* Wm. R. Keys,* Robt. J. Koonce. Willis Koonce, John Lype,* Louis B. Martin, Elea-
zer Penrod, George Penrod, Van Peters* Clement Phelps, Elijah Pike,* Wilson Qualls. Joseph
Rowen, Robert Rowen,® Samuel Rowen. Alexander Shultz, Henry Spelcher, Walter Sorrels,
Benj. F. Trip, Geo. W. Trip.* Benj. C. Upton,* Henry C. Waltson, Chas. Williams,* Madison
Williams. Andrew J. Winchester,* Isaac A. Winchester, Leroy E. Winchester, Rupell M. Win¬
chester* Nathan F. Wiseman, Lemuel A. Chew, Elizha B. Crowell Hiraur Hanson, Alfred
Hooker, Henry S. Kelcher, Geo. W. Patterson.
Company D. — Captains, Cornelius S. Ward, David G. Young ; First Lieutenants, Logan
Wheeler, Henry Hanson, Henry Miars, Jerome Bishop* Samuel Brunn ; Second Lieutenant,
Isaac Rapp; Sergeants, John A. McClue, Henry Myers ; Corporals, Lewis W. Martin, Francis
M. Bays, Henry H. Levan, Martin Whipkey,* Reuben Ellis, Anthony Hoover, Citero McClue,
Pembroke N. King; Musician, Wm. Johnson; Wagoner, Henry Smidtgall , John Butcher,
Henry Butcher, Samuel Brown, Henry Bouescher,* Isaiah Bouescher,® Jesse T. Barks, John
Brown, Samuel Bowlby,* Thomas Baker. John Bowers,* John Coffey, I. E. Cassel, Jesse Crow,
John T. Craber,* Wm. H. Campbell, Julius Dodson.* James David, Thomas Duncan, Giles W.
C. Duncan,* David D. Doolin, Bramer Easterly, David Friedlin,* Wm. Galliher, "Daniel Galli¬
her* John Kinney* Kaleb B. Lindsey, James j. Lyles, Thomas McClue, Wm, McClue, Albert
McClue, Arthur V. McCullough,* Geo. Morsly, Jacob Orth,* Jacob Reel, James A. Richards,
James Smith, Lee Speers, Alfred Singleton, James Standing, Charles F. Starick, Elliott Sykes,
lames Thomas* Joseph Vancil, Joshua Worthen, Daniel Worthen, Jasper N. Whipkey, Har¬
mon D Witt, Benj. C. Wilson, Winfried S. Duglas, Anton Eberhart, Albert McClue, Francis
E. Wood.
Company £. — John Watson,® Isaac Batson,® Huster Batson,® Daniel Castlebury,® Abertus D.
Morris,* James Miller, John D. O'Daniel,® Lewis A. Welty.
Company F. — Captain. Samuel L. Campbell; First Lieutenants, Jacob W. Sanders, James D.
Hartigan ; Second Lieutenant, Geo. W. Kelly; Sergeants, John D. Robinson, Elliott Payne,*
David W. Richardson ;» Corporals, Thomas J. Tarplev, Robt. W. Mumphrys,® Josiah P. Hill,
Wm. H. Chew, Robt. W. Hamilton, Samuel Briely, W. H. Cox, Albert Ellis,® James D. Shel¬
ton, Simeon Baker, Henry Brenson, Elijah Brenson, Andrew J. Borne, James E. Brake,
Michael Bergin, John Brannon, Wm. C. Brake, James Camell,® Wm. Collier, James Dixon,
Thomas Ellis, Chas. N. Ennis,* Alfred V. Elmore, Jesse Fraley, Fredrich Freishett, Barney Far-
rel. Francis M. Fields,* Warren H. Hays, John A. Hall, Robt. T. Hamer, Hamilton Jackson,
Michael Maura, Chas. Martin, John Maloy,* Joseph McGee, James Meighan, Wm. Miller, God-
lip Nourse, John H. Peeke.® Henry M. Peete, John M. Robinson,* Daniel G. Reeder, John M.
Rag,* Henry Stuart,* John P. Smith, Benjamin Still, Mordecai Safford, Riley Spears* Geo.
Trask, lames Tinet,* John M. Venaka, Robt Woods, Pleasant H. Widdows, Isaac Widdows,
Wm. Walker, Michael Welsh,® Joseph Wagoner,* Geo. Winters, Monroe Williams, Mitchel
Wood, Wiley W. Edmonds, Richard A. Franklin,* James Tolay, Lewis H. Lee, Wm. M. Linn,
John McDonald, Wm. H. Reed,® John M. Winn.
Company G. — James H. Kelly* James R. Bridges, David Farmer, Albert G. Hutchins, Geo.
W. Pleasant, Albert E. Reeves,* Wm. H. Williams, Joseph Emerson* Charles O. Ketchem,®
Wm. R. McCall, Wm. Henry. '
Company H. — Second Lieutenant, Thomas McBride, Francis M. Ford.
Company /. — Andrew J. Barber,* Andrew Bousland.*
* Refers to those in the death list, who were killed, or those who died while in service.
Company K. — Corporal, Turman Chapman ; Francis M. Boner,* Oliver Bolin, Pohattan Bolin,
J. R. Crain, Wilson Crain, John F. Cruse,® Bennett Davenport,* James Firbys* Thomas Kisth,
Geo. Pinkham,* Louis Pinkham,® Nelson Taylor, Eunri Taylor. Richard C. Young, Geo. W.
Bush, Austin Meloy, Micater Mitchell, Albert B. McElhany, Jerry H. Wilson, Wesley A.
Young,* Charles Y. Wilkerson, Solomon S. Watsinger.
EIGHTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
Company D. — First Lieutenant, Alexander Beecher, Jackson Arnold, L. W. Beardsley. Chas.
Fisher,* Hezekiah Gibeant, Wm. H. Mileham, Eli Morris* J. Me. F. Miller, Thomas Pvner,*
Wm. Voorhes, Frank Weaver, Joseph Zach.
ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH INFANTRY.
Company B. — Corporals. Valentine Hicks. JohnS. Millikin, Peter M. Hagler; Sergeant, John
W. Chipps ;* John Clough,* Micajah Atherton, Thomas Fleming, John Forbin, James W.
Gregory, James M. G-tlliher. Simmons Harvel,* Emanuel J. Holmes, A. H. Keith, Edgar Lipe,
Wilson Oberts, James Pestte, Nathan Rollins, Wm. N. Rollins.
Company C. — Robert Dunnivan, Henry Carraker. Peter Clutts, Agnos Duncan, James A.
Kilbreath, Joseph C. Martin, Lanson Martin, Wm. Mann, Geo. W. Mann, Griffin N. Sanders,
John A. Sanders.
Company H. — Corporal, Samuel W. Vancil. Crawford Barringer, Jefferson Collins, W. R.
Fox, Jesse Jackson, Wm. W. Roach, Geo. W. Wilson. James Wilson, Jonathan Wilson.
ONE HUNDRED AND TENTH INFANTRY.
Company H. — Wm. Creath. Wm. Cable.
ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIFTH (ioo DAYS) INFANTRY.
Company F. — First Sergeant, James C. Blair; Sergeant, Reuben M. Dixon; Corporals. James
or John Jenkins, David Wood, Lindsay W. Miller, Matthew Anley, Henry A. Adams, James
Berry, David H. Brush, Allen Brewster, David Battier, Miles J. Brooks, Frederick Bockelman,
Leonard Cady, Willis R. Cheatman, Jasper N. Cannon, Levi Crow, Jasper W. Debbie, Geo. H.
Davis, John .4. Davis. Wm. J. Denning, Columbus Dean, Wm. Felts, Jesse J. Fly, F. C. Ter-
rand, James Gates, Jackson Hurley, Green Harris, John L. Hatfield, E. P. Lewis. James A.
Leach, J. W. Mosley, Lewis P. McBride, A. N. Mason, Silas C. Osburn, Wm. J. Peterson, J.
K. P. Pierce, Matt. Y. Pratt, A. J. Pierce, James G. Riston, N. B. Summers, James L. Sanders,
S. L. Scollay, Albert S. Thompson, Albert C. Worthington, Simon Worthen.
SECOND CAVALRY.
Company G. — Julius A. Zendt, Wm. Borkhaus, Francis A. Brodler, John H. Clusterman,
Henry Whitmore.
SIXTH CAVALRY.
Company /. — Second Lieutenant, Nathan C. Stebbins; Wm. Barley, Ira O. Borew, Charles
Cumberland, Wm. A. Etherton, C. B. Hatfield, Louis Joubert, Wm. H. Morgan, Nathan C.
Stebbins, Phineas Arudell. Geo. Perrent, John A. Stebbins, Alfred Martel.
Company K. — Jackson Slater.
Company M.— Frank W. Babcock, Thomas Helms, Thomas A. Spence, Joseph Washington,
Hugh C. Miller.
THIRTEENTH (CONSOLIDATED) CAVALRY.
Company D. — Mitchell Atkin, Eli Adams, Samuel Dunn, J. G. Goswell, J. G. Keeling, Geo.
W. Morris, Jas. or Dan’l W. Morris, Samuel Petty James D. Ragsdale, Henry M. Ragsdale,
Allen Whittington.
Company E — Robert A. Boyd, James W. Downs, Fielden Jones, John Jenkins, James A.
Parayion.
Company F. — Warren O. Lovejoy, Daniel E. Lovejoy, Wm. C. Cross.
Company H. — Barney Blue, Augustus W. Nohe.
Company I. — Captains, Edward Brown, Thomas M. Bailey; Second Lieutenant, James M.
Tanner; Joseph Bullinger, B. L. Baker, Alord P. Baker,® Wm. T. Bellany, John Cockran,
Fleming Caslebery, Alfred B. Davis, Byron Dobbins, John J. Grammer,® Peter Gross, JohnT.
Hancock, Thomas Hopkins,® Simon Hiller, John E. Hiller,® John A. Hill, Joseph Hurt, Geo.
B. Hancock, Beverly Henderson, Wm. C. McGill, John McGlason, Amos McNeel, Simpson,
Neber,® Wm T. S. Osborn, Daniel Osborne,* James S. Pressen,* -Thomas Romine, Andrew J.
Roach, Andrew J. Reece, Louis Robinson, F. M. Saunders,* Job R. M. Stout, Thomas J Shep¬
ard, J. M. Tanner, David Tilden, Frederick Tanner,® Jacob Taylor, Samuel J. Usselton, Wiley
R. Vaughn, Henry Wilson, J. H. Warren.
Company K. — Marion Malone, Jacob Myres, Daniel Robinson, Wm. M. Robinson, Abraham
Deen.®
FIFTEENTH CAVALRY.
Company E. — Quarter Master Sergeant, Edward H. Reese ; Sergeants, Adam T. Wilson,
Wm. C. McKinney ;* Corporals, Samuel Deason,® Wm. C. Dunn, Claucty Eldridge, James
Elliott, Augustus K. Askey* John W. Hooker;* Blacksmith, Urias Altimus Fames, Henry
M. Hanson; Saddler, John Brotherhood; Benjamin Armstrong, Gilbert J. Burr, James H.
Bookman, James Chichester, Daniel Chapman, Henry Clark, John Crowther, Chris. Castleton,
Wm. Fife, Joseph Fenn* Andrew C. Ford, Wiley B. Gill,* Oliver E. Griffin, Thomas Hiller,
Ezekiel W. Hall, Wm. Henderson,* Jacob Hinchcliff, Benjamin Jackson, Andrew Keidler *
lames R. Lemen. John Murgison, Geo. Me Aldridge, John B. Reese, Caleb Redmen, David
Sanders, Francis M. Stacy, Henry Slaton,* James A. Shingleton, Geo. Travelstead, Solomon
Travelstead, Thomas Walls,* Andrew J. Williams, Elard H. Champion, C. C. Childs, Jonathan
McKinney, Henry Trobaugh, Aaron Trobaugh.
* Refers to those in the death list, who were killed, or those who died while in'service.
LIST OF THOSE WHO DIED IN THE LATE REBELLION.
SEVENTH INFANTRY.
Company A.— Wm. Young, died at Fort Holt, Ky., October 26, 1861. Armstead Floyd,
died at Andersonville, Ga., August 27, 1864. Wm. O. Parrish, died at Polaski, Ter.n., March
14, 1864.
NINTH INFANTRY.
COMPANY F.— Toliver Foster, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Geo. McLeish, killed at Shiloh,
April 6, 1862. Eli T. Singleton, died of wounds, May xi, 1862.
Company G. — John Worthen, died December 28, 1861. Jacob Benjamin, killed at Fort
Donelson. February 15, 1862. Francis A. Brown, died November 4, 1861. Eli Garrett, died
July 4, 1862. Wm. Hunter, died November 26, 1861. David W. Jones, killed at Shiloh, April
6, 1862. Hamilton Lipe, died November 5, 1861. Robert Ross, died November 17. 1861.
Stephen Welch, died November 11, 1861. James Walker, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
James P. Hall, died at Andersonville Prison, Aug. 29, 1864.
TWELFTH INFANTRY.
Company G — Jesse Nicholson, died June 4. 1862.
EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY.
Company C.— S. S. Hodges, died at home, August 6, 1863. James M. Heris, died at Jack-
son, Tenn., April 5, 1863. Wm. Downs, died March 12, 1863. Lewis T. Barrow, died at Jack-
son, Tenn., January 23. 1863. James M. Collins, died of wounds, January 26, 1863. Alfred
Duchie, died at Mound City, August 5, 1863. Wm. Hand, died at Jackson, Tenn., January 29,
1863. Wm. H. Killion, died at Jackson, Tenn., March 26, 1863.- Benjamin P. Prickett, died at
Helena, Ark., August 12, 1,863. Wm. Popejoy, died at Paducah, Ky. H. E. Steel, died at
Jackson, Tenn., October 19, 1862. Wm. T. Taylor, died at Jackson, Tenn., February 25, 1863.
Larkin J. Walters, died at Pine Bluff, Ark., April 14, 1864. Wm. H. Pritckett, killed at Donei-
son, February 15, 1862. Thomas H. Booth, died at Bird's Point, Mo., June 25, 1861. Patrick
Blake, killed at Donelson, February 15, 1862. Thomas L. Martin, died at Carbondale, March
26, 1861. Wm. Rouse, died at Cairo, June 11, 1862. Granville Taylor, killed at Shiloh, April 6,
i862f Henry A. Watkins, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Moses Calvin, died of wounds at
Carbondale, Ill., March 1, 1862. Wm. R. Crowell, died of wounds at Nashville, February 22,
1862, James H. Calvin, dted at Shiloh, March 30, 1862. John T. Hindman, died at Carbon¬
dale, Ill., August xi, 1861.
TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
COMPANY H. — Herbert Wyman, killed in action, November 25 1863. Peter W. Bower, died
of wounds, March 23, 1863. James Andrews, killed at Resaca, May 14, 1864. Peter Bowlby,
died of wounds, December 3, 1863. Robertus Clara, died of wounds, February 6, 1863. John
A. Dunn, died January 14, 1862. Frank Faget, died June 22, 1862. James Gray, died of
wounds in 1863. Benjamin F. Henson, died a prisoner of war, July 12, 1862. Thomas Hick,
killed at Belmont, November 7, 1861. Frederick B. King, died of wounds, February 9, 1863. James
A. Martin, killed at Stone River, December 31, 1862. Peter Sorrels, died Jan. 7, 1862. Chaseley E.
Thompson, died October 9, 1863. Wm. A. Thompson, December 5, 1862. Francis M. Vought,
died February 6, 1862. Ellas Vancil, died January 22, 1862. Geo. Wilson, killed at Belmont,
Mo., November 7, 1861. Joshua Taylor, died of wounds. January 15, 1864. Wm. Boone, died
April 4, 1864. Francis Builderback, died January 26, 1862. Elbridge Holliday, killed at Bel¬
mont, November 7, 1861. Wm. Pointer, died February 8, 1862. Daniel Pointer, died June 28,
1862 Joseph Sorrels, killed at Missouri Ridge. November 24, 1864. Geo. W. Sweet, died of
wounds, January 19, 1864. John Vaught, killed at Resaca, May 14, 1864.
THIRTY- FIRST INFANTRY.
Company D. — Joseph B. Denning, died at Andersonville, September 11, 1864. Grave No. 7514.
Matthew Pate, died February 5, 1863. John S. Prickett, killed at Fort Donelson, February 15,
1862. Jeremiah Hiller, killed near Atlanta, Ga . July 22, 1864. James Adkison, drowned at
home, April 23, 1864. Authus Dolan, died January 17, 1864. Thomas J. Hughes, died June 12.
1863.
Company G. — John B. Lewell, died March 14, 1863. Wm. G. Leftivitch, died. James
Winger, died October 29, 1861.
Company H. — Horace L. Bowyer, died of wounds. June 12, 1863. James H. Erwin, died
February 8, 1862. ’ Stephen Erwin, died July 10, 1862. Michael McCarty, died of wounds,
September 13, 1864. John Gill, died November 24, 1862.
Company I. — Francis J. Dero, died of wounds, October 31, 1864.
THIRTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
Company G. — Antivine Site, died at Tuscumbie, June 9, 1862.
THIRTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
COMPANY' C. — Phillip Dwyre, killed at Stone River, December 31, 1862.
SIXTIETH INFANTRY.
Company A. — Licurgous Slavious, died at Cairo, April 29, 1862. John H. Demont, died at
Snake Creek Gap, Ga., May 15, 1865.
COMPANY C. — Samuel Ward, died at Cairo, Ill., April 12, 1862.
SIXTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
COMPANY F. — Daniel Reynolds, died at home, June 5, 1862. James Kilpatrick, killed at
Columbia, S. C., by explosion of powder. February 19, 1865.
COMPANY' G. — John Pyron.died at Huntsville, Ala., February 21, 1864. John W. Thornton,
died at Cartersville, Ga., August 27, 1864.
SEVENTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
Company K. — Franklin Glidewell, wounded, captured at Chickamauga, died at Anderson¬
ville Prison, June 12, 1864. Geo. W. Outman, killed at Stone River, December 31, 1862.
Samuel G. Austin, died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., March 5, 1863. Geo. Andrews, killed at Chicka¬
mauga, September 20, 1863. John Beam, corporal, died October 1, 1863, of wounds. John R.
Crews, supposed killed by guerrillas. Levi Crews, killed at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864. John
H. Cox, killed at Chatamauga, September 20, 1863. James P. Deason, died at Nashville, Tenn.,
December 6, 1862. Thomas H. Davis, died at Nashville, Tenn., January 12, 1863. Cyrus Far-
ner, killed at Chickamauga, September 20, 1863. Harrison Famer, died at Murfreesboro, Feb.
13, 1863. Isaac Freedline, killed at Chickamauga, September 20, 1863. Joseph Hall, died at
Louisville, August 5, 1863. Moses W. Jackson, died at Nashville, Tenn., July 2, 1864. Chas.
Morgan, killed at Chatamauga, September 20, 1863. Martin Moody, died of wounds at
Chatamauga, July 28, 1864. Wm. R. Pool, died at Nashville, Tenn., December 10, 1862. John
W. Parrish, killed at Missouri Ridge, November 25, 1863. Henry J. Purdy, died at Bowling
Green, Ky., January 22, 1863. Wm. Plelps, died at Bowling Green, Ky., November 7, 1862.
John V. Varnon. died at Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1862. Adam Vernon, died at Nash¬
ville, Tenn., December 6, 1862. James Avery, died at Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1862.
Joseph Jarvis, died at Andersonville Prison, June 18, 1864.
EIGHTIETH INFANTRY.
Company A. - Emanuel Hiltin died at Paducah, Ky., May 25, 1863. John D. Duncan, died
at Mumfordsville. Ky., November 17, 1862. Asa J. Doggett, died at Centralia, Ill., Sept. 3, 1862.
McHenry Crass, died at Gallatin, Tenn., March 4, 1863. Francis W. Cross, killed at Chaplin
Hills, Ky., October 8, 1862. John Johnston, died at Murfreesboro’, Tenn., April 4, 1863. Robt.
McLaughlin, died at Mumfordsville Ky., November 3, 1862. Linzy Pitman, died at Cave City,
Ky., November 22, 1862. Henry Pointer, died at Murfreesboro’, Tenn., March 7, 1863. J. H.
Snell, died at Mumfordsville, Ky., November 24, 1862. James C. Snell, died at Mumfordsville.
Ky., December 4, 1862. Wm. Wilkerson, died at New Albany, Ind., October 20, 1862.
EIGHTY-FIRST INFANTRY.
Company B. — John Holt, died at Keokuk, Iowa, January 23, 1863. Harrison Lype, died
at Merietta, Ga., August 12, 1864. Charles M. Crowell, died at Memphis, Tenn., June 5, 1863,
of wounds. Wm. G. Auns, died at home, August 4, 1863. Holden Brantley, died at Hum-
bolt, Tenn., October 19, 1862. J. J. Brewster, died at Lake Providence, La., April 30, 1863.
Wm. Cacke, died at Cairo, Ill., October 9, 1862. John Foster, died at Vicksburg, January 30,
1864. Steven Galliher, died at Vicksburg, December 24, 1862. Geo. Hagler, died at Memphis,
Tenn., January 20, 1863. Walter Hanson, died at Memphis, Tenn., January 18, 1863. Lafayette
Hampton, died at Bayou Mason, La., August 31, 1863. Wm. Henson, died at Memphis, March
it, 1863. Adear Holder, died at Providence, La„ May 19, 1863. Wm. C. Holder, died at
Memphis, February 15, 1863. Wm. Jacobs, died at Jefferson B ks, January 19, 1863. Abraham
Hiller, died at Vicksburg, August 8, 1863. James Jukes, died at Memphis. February 25, 1863.
James Kanada, died at Vicksburg, Miss., August 12, 1863. Wm. Kanada, died at Vicksburg,
Miss., April 21, 1863. Wm. R. Keys, died at Vicksburg, Miss., April 21, 1863 John Lype,
died at Vicksburg Miss., June 28. 1863. Van Peters, died at Vicksburg, Miss., November 16,
1863. Elijah Pike, died at Vicksburg. Miss., July 12, 1863. Robt. Rowen, died at Memphis,
Tenn., January 12, 1865. Geo. W. Trip, died at Lagrange, Tenn., March 26, 1863. Benj. C.
Upton, died at Memphis, Tenn., February 8. 1863. Chas. Williams, died January 9, 1865.
Andrew J. Winchester, died at Memphis, October 17, 1864. Rupell M. Winchester, died at
Memphis, March 3, 1863.
Company D. — Martin Whipkey, died at Benton Barracks, Mo., May 16, 1863. Henry Bone-
scher, died at Lagrange, Tenn., March 11, 1863. Isaiah Bonescher, died June 13. 1863, of
wounds. Samuel Bowlby, died at Lagrange, Tenn., January 15, 1863. John Bowers, died at
Memphis, January 29, 1863. John T. Craber, died at Andersonville Prison, September 20, 1864.
Grave No. 9312. Julius Dodson, killed at Thompson Hill, Miss., May 1, 1863. Giles W. C.
Duncan, died at Memphis, Tenn., February 15. 1863. David Friedlin, died at Memphis, Tenn.,
February 15, 1863. Daniel Galliher, died at Benton Barracks, Mo., January 23, 1863. John
Kinney, died at Memphis, Tenn., February 6, 1863. Arthur P. McCullough, died at Mont¬
gomery, May 22, 1863. Jacob Orth, died at Vicksburg, January 30, 1864. James Thomas,
died at home, September 17, 1863.
Company E. — John Watson, died at Vicksburg, September 27, 1863. Isaac Baton, died at
Lagrange, February 11, 1863. Henry Batson, killed at Guntown Miss., June 10, 1864. Daniel
Castlebery, died at Lagrange, Tenn., January 19, 1863. Albertus D. Morris, died en route home,
August 21, 1863. John D. O'Daniel, died at Vicksburg, February 11, 1864.
Company F. -Elliott Payne, died in hands of enemy, of wounds received January 1, 1865.
David W. Richardson, died at Vicksburg, November 8. 1863. Robt. W. Murphreys, killed at
Vicksburg, June 6, 1863. Albert Ellis, died at Vicksburg, February 10, 1864. James W. Cor¬
nell. died at Lagrange, Tenn., December 31, 1862. Charles N. Ennis, died at Vicksburg,
January 31, 1864. Francis M. Fields, died at Keokuk, Iowa, March 14, 1863. John Maloy,died
at Vicksburg, August 29, 1863. John H. Peeke, died at Raymond, Miss., July 1, 1863, of
wounds. John M. Robinson, died at Jackson, Tenn., January 30, 1863. John M. Ray, died
at Vicksburg, September 9, 1863. Henry Stuart, died at Vicksburg, August 10, 1863. Riley
Spears, died at Lagrange, Tenn., December 24, 1862. James Tiner, died at Memphis, Tenn!,
January 29, 1863. Michael Welsh, died at Lagrange, Tenn., January 22, 1863. Joseph
Wagoner, died at Mound City, Ills., July 14, 1864, of wounds. Richard A. Franklin, died at
Andersonville Prison, February 20, 1863. Wm. H. Reed, died at Memphis, February 17, 1863.
Company G. — James H. Kelly, died at Vicksburg, February 10, 1864. Abner E. Reeves,
died at Jackson, Tenn., February 23, 1863. Joseph Emerson, died at Andersonville Prison,
August 28, 1864. Chester O. Ketchune, died at Andersonville Prison, October 20, 1864.
Company I. — Andrew J. Barber, died at Vicksburg, April 17, 1864. Andrew Bourland, died
at Vicksburg, April 21, 1864, of wounds.
Company K.— Francis M. Boner, died at Grand Gulf, May 18, 1863. John F. Crouse, died
at Memphis, February 26, 1863. Bennett Davenport, died at Jackson, Tenn, November 13,
1862. James Firbys, died at Lagrange, Tenn. Geo. Pinkham, died at Lagrange, January 31,
1863.
EIGHTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
Company D. — Charles Fisher, killed at Stone River, December 31, 1862. Eli Morris, died
of wounds, January 1, 1863. Thomas Pyner, died at Andersonville Prison, September t, 1864.
No. of Grave, 10,412.
-ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH INFANTRY.
Company B. — John W. Cripps, died at Holly Springs, Miss., January 4, 1863. John Clough,
died at Mound City, Ill., January 15, 1863. Simmons Harvel, died at Boliver, Tenn., Novem¬
ber »7, 1862.
CAVALRY.
THIRTEENTH (CONSOLIDATED) CAVALRY.
COMPANY' I. — Alord P. Baker, died at Mound City, Ill., October 28, 1864. John J. Garm-
mer, died at Mound City, Ill., November 9, 1864. Thomas Hopkins, died at Benton Barracks,
March 24, 1864. James E. Hiller, died at Pine Bluff, Ark., August 6, 1864. Beverly Hender¬
son, died near Pine Bluff, Ark., November 24, 1864. Simpson Weber, died at Mound City, Ill.,
October 22, 1864. Daniel Osborne, died at St. Louis, March 3, 1864. James S.'Pressen, died
on st'r D. A., October 16, 1864. F. M. Saunders, died at Pine Bluff, Ark., August 23, 1864.
Frederick Tanner, died at Pine Bluff, September 3, 1864.
COMPANY K. — Abraham Deen, died at Mound City, Ills., October 24, 1864.
FIFTEENTH CAVALRY.
COMPANY E. — Wm. C. McKinney, died at Corinth, October 27, 1863. Samuel Deason, died
at Helena, April 17, 1863. Augustus K. Askey, died at Helena, April 2, 1864. John W. Hooker,
died at Helena, January 20, 1864. Joseph Fenn, died at Helena, August 5, 1864. Wiley B.
Gill, died at De Soto, Ill., March 19, 1862. Wm. Henderson, died at Helena, Ark.. April 29,
1864. Andrew Kindler, supposed drowned, April 12, 1864. Henry Slater, died at Hickman,
Ky., September 2, 1862.
127
PARTIAL LIST OF PATRONS
TOWNSHIP 7.
RANGE 3.
MURPHYSBORO, ETC. - [Continued.
J
Name.
Post Office.
Resid.
Occupation.
Nativity.
Came
to Co.
Name.
Post Office.
Resid.
Occupation.
Came
Nativity.
to Co.
Brownfield, 11. C.
Baker, Ferdinand
Baker, Mrs. E.
Easterly, C. W.
Easterly, Lew. H.
Fallen, W. T.
Fallen, W. H.
Hickey, John H.
Holliday, G. W.
Jones, G. W.
King, John E.
North, Thomas
North, Mrs. M. A.
Parrent, George.
Parrent, Mrs. Eml.
Rimbold, Joseph
Russell, Wm. E.
Smith, James T.
Simpson, W. C.
Simpson, Mrs. J. E.
Seyferth, Andrew
Williamson, J. J.
Wheeler, E. H.
Ward, G. D.
Ava
Gillsburgh
it
Ava
Gillsburgh
II
Ava
Gillsburgh
Ava
II
Ora
u
Ava
<<
<<
n
Gillsburgh
Ora
II
Gillsburgh
Sec. 19
35
35
17
17
Gillsbg
II
Sec. 29
35
30
20
21
29
29
28
8
32
26
26
24
33
Gillsbg
Farmer
II
Wife of F. Baker
Farmer and Minister
Farmer and Teacher
Proprietor of Saw Mill
II |l
Farmer
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Farmer & Boot & Shoe Mkr
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Farmer and Teacher
Wife of Thos. North
Farmer and Moulder
Wife of Geo. Parrent
Farmer and Tailor
Farmer and Merchant
“ and Stock Raiser
Wife .of W. C. Simpson
t< n
II ti
Physician
Jackson Co. Ill.
Franklin Co. Ill.
Toronto, Canada
Greene Co. Ten.
Jackson Co. Ill.
Pa.
Perry Co. Ill.
Dauphin Co. Pa.
Jackson Co. Ill.
Hickman Co.Te
Jackson Co. Ill.
Randolph Co. Ill
Shen’go Co. N Y
France
Jackson Co. Ill.
France
Jackson Co. Ill.
White Co. Tenn.
O’Brien Co. Ten
Wash’n Co. Ind.
Germany
Jackson Co. Ill.
Ky.
•853
1837
1869
1850
1352
1865
1865
1871
1816
1866
1849
1870
1857
1868
1845
1866
1846
1844
1864
1864
1864
1834
1864
DE SOTO & TOWNSHIP 8. RANGE 1.
Bradley, James H.
De Soto
De Soto
Farmer
Randolph Co. 11
1821
Campbell, John
l<
Sec. 1 1
li
Jackson Co. Ill.
182b
Campbell, Elizab.
it
II
Wife of John Campbell
Tenn.
1861
Doron, G.
11
IO
Farmer
Ind.
1840
Doron, Mahala
li
IO
D’d Wife G.'Doron-d 1876
Jackson Co. Ill.
1828
Elliott, T. D.
it
De Soto
Physician and Surgeon
Ohio
1876
Gill, W. B.
d
Sec. 19
Farmer
Wilson Co. Tenn
1814
Gill, Mrs. M. D.
11
19
Wife of W. B. Gill
Jackson Co. Ill.
1816
Hundley, Wm.
11
21
Farmer
Tenn.
1868
Hundley, Elizab.
it
21
Wife of Wm. Hundley
<1
1868
Hundley, John T.
it
2L
Son of W. & E. do
Fayette Co. Ill.
1868
Kootz, W. H.
44
De Soto
Wagonmaker
Pa.
18S2
Rude, A. B.
11
Sec. 5
Farmer
Saline Co. Ill.
1858
Rude, Drusilla
it
5
Wife of A. Rude
tl
1858
Rude, Alv., Al., P.
Spiller, Wm. G.
Jes.,Abe, M’y
De Soto
& John
De Soto
Children of D. & A. Rude
Farmer
W’mson Co. Ill.
1842
Spiller, H.
it
, it
Wife of W. G. Spiller
ti
1854
Vancil, Geo.
11
Sec. 1 1
Farmer
Union Co. Ill.
1857
Wise, M. M.
ti
20
it
Randolph Co Ill
1 8 S S
Wise, Harriet
ti
20
Wife of M. M. Wise
1855
MURPHYSBORO AND TOWNSHIP 9. RANGE 2.
Albright, F. O.
Andrews, G. W.
Bowlby, Joel M.
Bouscher, W. H.
Bavsinger, D. H.
Bain, Chas.
Burkey, Alex. M.
Burkey, Mrs. A. O.
Burkey, D. (dec’d)
Blackwood, I. N.
Blackwood, I. (d.)
Bradley, Wm., Sr.
Bradley, Serena
Bradley, Joshua
Etherton, A. M.
Fox, H. H.
Griffith, P. W.
Grear, John W.
Gill, J. M.
Hill, Geo. W.
Hanks, Frankl. B.
Hamilton, Rob. W.
Hall, J. W.
Hord, Thos. F.
Holliday, Step. A.
Holliday, D. (dc.)
Hooker, Jas. A.
Murphysboro
II
l<
II
<1
II
(I
<1
d
11
11
11
it
it
it
11
Duquoin
Murphysboro
II
u
Mu’boro
At. at Law & Representative
44
“ & Master in Chancery
ti
Ex-Principal of Pub. School
it
Farmer& Retail Liq. Dealer
it
Physician and Surgeon
it tt
Sec. 28
Farmer and Stock Raiser
28
Wife of A. M. Burkey
Died February 18, 1856.
29
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Died October 19, 1869
Farmer and Ex-Co. Judge
Mu’boro
II
Wife of Wm. Bradley
b. 1716
Died June 9, 1839.
Pro. Liv., Feed & Sale Stab.
Mu’boro
II
Wh. & R. Dir. Groc. & Liq.
ti
Farmer and Livery
II
Ed. & Pub. M’boro Indefnt
Miller & Mayor Murphys’ro
li
ti
Attomey-at-Law.
H
Ex-Sheriff & New Deputy
a
Clerk Circuit Court.
Duqu’in
Mu’boro
Farmer
Druggist
II
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Sec. 19
Far Stock Raiser & Farrier
Simpson Co. Ky.
Dayton, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Jackson Co. Ill.
Breck’ge Co. Ky
Tenn.
Jackson Co. Ill.
Perry Co., Ill.
Somerset Co. Pa
Jackson Co. Ill.
N. C.
Sum’rset Co. Te.
Smith Co. Tenn.
Pa.
Jackson Co. Ill.
it
ti
Jonesboro, Pa.
Jackson Co. Ill.
Franklin Co. Ill.
Maury Co. Ten.
White Co. Ill.
Jackson Co. Ill.
Unionville, Mo.
Davidson Co. Te
Va.
Jackson Co. Ill.
1S71
1865
>857
1846
1869
1865
1827
1863
1820
1835
1834
1820
1830
1820
1849
1834
1847
1873
>833
1823
1863
1857
1838
*855
1815
1815
1849
Hanson, A. H.
Murphysboro
Sec. 18
Far Stock Raiser & Farrier
England
1831
Hanson, H. (dec.)
Hughes, J. C.
Carbondale
>3
Died Sept. 18, 1844.
Farmer and Stock Raiser
il
Sullivan Co. Te.
1828
1855
Hooker, Alfred.
Murphysboro
29
II II
Jackson Co. Ten.
1844
Ingram, Col. W. T.
44
Mu’boro
Physician & Money Loaner
Ky.
1865
Jenkins, Jefferson
II
Sec. 15
Farmer and Grain Raiser
Jackson Co. ill.
1838
Jenkins, Jas. (dc.)
Jenkins, Mrs. N.
it
22
Died March 7, 1861.
Farmer
Cumb’d Co. Ky
Jackson Co. Ill.
1818
1836
Jenkins, Hamilton
Mu’boro
Died April 13, 1877
f Furnit’e, Ii’dware, Groc.
1 & Ag. Imps., Stoves, &c.
<i
1835
Kennedy, George
II
II
Ireland
1831
Ross, M. A.
it
44
Vermont
1835
Kimmel, J. Q A.
44
ti
Principal Pub. Schools
Jackson Co. Ill.
1849
Kimmel, Philip
it
it
Dealer in Groc’s & Prov’ns
tt
1831
Kimball, J. B.
ti
tt
Merchant
Posey Co. Ill.
1861
Kirkham, Chas.
ti
it
Co. Clk.
Ill.
Layman, C. H.
ti
ti
Aty. at Law and Co. Judge
Wil’mson Co. Ill
1869
Logan, J. V.
II
tt
Marine Hospital Service
Jackson Co. Ill.
1838
Logan, Thom. M.
Lopas, George, Jr.
ti
it
Farmer & Brdr Fine Horses
II
1*831
ti
it
Lawyer and Teacher
England
1874
May ham, J. Banks
44
II
Lawyer
N. Y.
Mahoney, 0. L.
it
ti
Physician and Surgeon
Jefferson Co. Te
j 1 866
O’Connell, Patrick
**
II
Proprietor of Saloon
Ireland
[iS6q
Obanion, Jas. A.
II
Sec. 29
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Cumb’d Co. Ky.
1868
Pugh, A. R.
ti
Mu’boro
Lawyer
Wales
Robarts, Jos. P.
it
ti
Ed. & Pro. Jackson Co. Era
ti *t 11
Alton, Ill.
1839
Burr, Gill. J.
i*
tt
Al’ghnyCo. NY
1839
Ray, Mrs. Emeline
II
Sec. 19
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Cumb’d Co. Ky.
1868
Ray, G. W.
II
«9
Died March 8, 1872.
it
1868
Brents, Mrs. Hettie
it
19
Mother of E. Ray
Wash. Co. Ky.
1S68
Smith, Geo. W.
ti
Mu’boro
Attorney-at-Law
Ohio
1870
Stephens, R. J.
II
II
il ti
Clinton Co. Ill.
1874
Skinner, Mrs. D. A.
l<
II
Propr. of Logan House
Jackson Co. Ill.
'8.34
Saylor, W. A.
II
II
Groceries and Provisions
Penna.
1844
Sams, B. F.
a
it
Sheriff
Union Co. Ill.
1868
Schoch & Watson
it
it
Retail Liquor Dealers
Germany
1850
Thomas, David B.
it
ti
Miner
Wales
1867
Trobaugh, Casp. R.
Carbondale
Sec. 24
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Greene Co. Ten
1850
Trobaugh, Wm. M.
it
24
Father of C. R. Trobaugh
G
1850
Trobaugh, Mrs. M.
it
24
Wife of Wm. M. Trobaugh
<1
1850
Van Cooster, J.
Murphysboro
21
Farmer & Grain & Stk. Rr.
Belgium
1867
Wood, Chas.
ti
22
Farmer
William'n Co. T
1863
Waller, Wm.
it
27
Farmer & Grain & Stk. Rr.
Union Co. Ill.
1848
Young, R. J.
ti
Mu’boro
Teacher
Ill.
t868
TOWNSHIP 7. RANGE 2.
Btacklock, R. B.
Vergennes
Sec. 16
Farmer and Physician
j Scotland
1859
Cox, A. S.
Elkville
25
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Ohio Co. Ky.
1840
Cox, G. W.
it
36
Il II
Il
1857
Davis, Philip R.
Vergennes
19
Farmer and Sch. Teacher
44
1840
Davis, Alfred (dc.)
Died April, 1865
it
1840
Grubb, Jackson
ti
4
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Ijackson Co. III.
1823
Grubb, Mrs. Seliah
tt
4
Wife of Jackson Grubb
Cabar’s Co. N C.
1845
Grubb, Wm. (dec.)
Died March, 1854
Tenn.
181.3
Holt, G. L.
11
l6
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Vermont
I«3S
Holt, Rev. Jno. M.
it
l6
‘‘ and Minst. M. E. C.
44
1835
Holt, Joseph ( dec. )
Died April, 1876
II
1835
McNerney, Jno A.
{(
3
Farmer
Dublin, Ireland
1859
Perkins, John M.
Elkville
22
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Athens Co. Ohio
1858
Parrish, G. W.
Vergennes
IO
Il II
Jackson Co. Ill.
1847
Parrish, Thos. (d.)
Died June. 1868.
Lincoln Co. S. C.
1823
Porter, L. D.
ti
4
Farmer & Pro. Saw Mill
Gallia Co. Ohio
1850
Porter, Geo. H.
it
4
Farmer and Stock Raiser
II
1850
Porter, M. S.
II
4
1* it
Wash. Co. Ohio
1850
Porter, John B.
ti
5
II II
Athens Co. Ohio
1844
Porter, R. S. (dec.)
Died May 14, 1871
Wash. Co. 0.
1844
Perry, A. B.
II
7
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Robinson Co. T.
1849
Perry, Mrs. L.
7
Wife of A. B. Perry
Ind.
1849
Porter, S. M.
it
22
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Gallia Co. Ohio
1830
Porter, Mrs. M. A.
ti
22
Wife of S. M. Porter
Jackson Co. Ill.
1842
Rosson, John B.
“
18
Physician and Surgeon
Marshall Co. Te
1866
Rosson, Mrs. Lou.
II
18
Wife of J. B. Rosson
Jackson Co: Ill.
1856
Speers, Lee
it
8
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Murray Co. Ten.
1829
Speers, Mrs. E.
it
8
Wife of Lee Speers
Davidson Co. Te
1827
Schneider, John
Duquoin
19
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Germany
1872
Schneider, Mrs. C.
II
*9
Wife of J. Schn?ider
Mo.
1872
Tutnill, D. B.
Vergennes
15
Farmer and Wagonmaker
Essex Co. N. Y.
1837
Tuthill, John
II
Vermont
*837
Wisely, J. B.
it
28
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Va.
1867
Wisely, Mrs. E. L.
II
28
Teacher & Wife of J. B. W.
1873
126
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
129
GRAND TOWER & TOWNSHIP 10. RANGE 4.
'
Came
Name.
Post Office.
Resid.
Occupation.
Nativity.
fiTCo.
Baronowsky, F.
Grand Tower
G. Tow.
Pro. “Tremont House”
Prussia, Ger.
1868
Bryden, James C.
44
it
Merchant
Scotland
1873
Brownley, B. B.
44
it
Express Agt. & City Clerk
Warren Co. 0.
1869
Chandler, W. W.
u
it
City Attorney
Perry Co. Ind.
1863
Chapman, E. F. A.
it
44
Clerk at B. C. B. & Co.
England
1866
Dillinger, John
<«
ii
Merchant and Past Master
Jackson Co. Ill.
1835
Day, Ebenezer
44
44
Physician
Buffalo, N. Y.
1867
Davis, N. L.
ii
H
City Marshall
Montg. Co. Ten.
1871
English, John E.
ii
44
Carpenter and Undertaker
St. Johns, N. Fd.
1869
Farrell, James A.
a
ii
Tin, Cop. & Sht. Iron Wkr.
Albany, N. Y.
1873
Finch, J. W.
Union Pt. U’n
Sec. ii
Farmer and Stock Raiser
N. C.
1867
Finch, N. M. E.
“ [Co.
II
Wife of J. W. Finch
N. Carolina
1867
Hamilton, S. W.
Grand Tower
G. Tow.
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Champg. Co. Ill.
i860
Harris, W. L.
ii
Sec. 31
4. ii
Overton Co. Ten
i860
Harris, F. C. (dc.)
ii
Wife of W. L. Harris
Jackson Co. Ten
1833
Jenkins, Thos. W.
“
G. Tow.
Farmer and Miller
Grand Tower, 11
183S
Kelly, Christopher
“
ii
Shipwright
Ireland
1870
Kunze, Wm.
it
H
Carpenter
Saxony, G’many
1865
Lienert, August
ii
a
Pro. Cover House
Switzerland
•853
Long, Wallace
ii
ii
Farmer
Ky.
1868
Mason, Cato
it
a
Plasterer
Va.
1869
Swartzcope, M. T.
ii
a
Civil Engineer
Chamb’sbrg, Pa.
1845
Stockton, James P.
ii
a
Pub. Grand Tower Pten:
Paris, Ky.
1875
Sangwin, Henry
ii
a
Foreman Carpenter Depot
England
1869
Thomas, Richard
ii
a
Coke Manufacturer
Wales
1869
Vestine, John J.
it
Farmer
Cape G’n Co. Mo
1863
TOWNSHIP 7. RANGE 1.
Burkhalter, J. H.
Elkville
Sec. 33
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Georgia
1868
Burkhalter, J. M.
it
33
Father of J. H. Burkhalter
1868
Burkhalter, Ellen
((
33
Mother of “
1868
Davis, Leonard, Sr
ii
6
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. Ill.
•835
Davis, Sarah
«
6
Wife of Leonard Davis
44
1837
Davis, John
ii
6
Son of L. and S. Davis
44
1857
Davis, Louisa
ii
6
Daughter of “
44
1859
Davis, Isabella
ti
6
4 4 4 4
44
1857
Davis, William
a
6
Son of “
<4
1867
Davis, Joseph
it
6
44 44
44
1869
Davis, Henry
a
6
44 44
“
1872
Jackson, James
a
21
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Alabama
1866
Mearidth, Van
a
21
4 4
1841
Renner, G. W.
a
31
“ and Stock Rr.
Wayne Co. O.
1863
Redden, James H.
ii
22
4 4 44
Williams, John T.
a
33
44 44
Georgia
1868
Williams, Rachel
a
33
Wife of J. T. Williams
44
1868
TOWNSHIP 9. RANGE 5.
Steele, Henry
Rockwood
Sec. 3
Farmer
Randolph Co. Ill
1836
Steele, Mrs. Cath.
4*
3
Dec’d Wife of H. Steele.
Ind.
1846
TOWNSHIP 8. RANGE 4.
Asbury, Maria
Ava
Sec. 15
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. Ill.
1827
Asbury, A. L.
44
15
Husb. M. Asbury — d. 1876
Ky.
1832
Asbury, Walter L.
44
15
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. Ill.
1855
Asbury, Mrs. M.J.
ii
IS
Wife of Walter L. Asbury
Randolph Co. 11
1866
Bilderback, W. H.
u
10
Farmer and Stock Raiser
44
1866
Bilderback, Mrs.M
it
10
Wife of W. H. Bilderback
Jackson Co. Ill.
1851
Bilderback, M. E.
ii
Dec. Wife of do. — d. 1874
ii
1853
Bilderback, Miss C
it
10
Daugh. of W. H. & M. E. B.
it
1872
Bowers, Samuel
ii
11
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Randolph Co. 11
1832
Bowers, Mrs. M. M
ti
11
Wife of S. Bowers
1832
Burdmass, Mrs. H.
a
27
Farmer [April 10, 1876
Wil’mson Co. 11.
1847
Burdmass, G. (dc.)
Husb. of H. E. B’s — died
Perry Co. Ill.
1851
Crain, Willis
Ava
35
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. Ill.
1827
Crisler, Adam
4<
12
44 44
Boone Co. Ky.
1867
Crisler, Mrs. Aim
it
12
Wife of A. Crisler— d. 1872
44
1867
Cochran, G. M.
ii
23
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. Ill.
1848
Cochran, Mrs. M E
44
Wife of G. M. Cochran
44
1850
Dobbs, Addison
ii
3
Farmer
Randolph Co. 11
1871
Dobbs, Mrs. Elizb.
ii
3
Wile of A. Dobbs
Jackson Co. Ill.
1837
Grosvenor, Parker
Rockwood
30
Farmer and Stock Raiser
44
1833
Jones, John W.
Ava
24
44 4(
44
1846
Jones, Mrs. M. E.
it
24
Wife of J. W. Jones
44
1850
Jarrett, Isaac M.
ii
4
Farmer and Stock Raiser
44
1837
Jarrett, Mrs. M. V.
a
4
Wife of I. M. Jarrett
44
1845
Moore, James M.
a
4
Farmer
Randolph Co. 11
1858
Moore, Mrs. M. E.
a
4
Wife of J. M. Moore
Jackson Co. Ill.
1856
McBride, Bart. M,
ti
3
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Tenn.
1837
McBride, Mrs.M A
it
3
Wife of B. M. McBride
Jackson Co. Ill.
1834
Talbott, W. E.
it
22
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Smith Co. Tenn.
1822
Talbott, Mrs Elizb
a
22
Wife of W. E. Talbott
Jackson Co. Ill.
1821
Talbott, Wm. R.
ti
22
Fanner and Stock Raiser
<4
1857
Wilson, Miss- S. C.
it
6
Residing at home
44
1861
Wilson, Wm. P.
a
6
Farmer
Md.
1815
TOWNSHIP 7. RANGE 4.
Name.
Post Office.
Resid.
Occupation.
Nativity.
Came
to Co.
Bowers, Jacob
Ava
Ava
Hotel, Livery & Saloon
111.
1844
Bates, Jos. C.
ii
44
Blksmth, Wag. & C'ge Shop
Kenebec Co. Me
1874
Bilderback, Henry
44
44
Ex-Merchant [&Gen.Rp’g
Randolph Co. 11
1856
Baer, Wm.
Campbell Hill
Sec. 10
Farmer and Stock Raiser-
Germany
1858
Baer, Mrs. Louisa
44
IO
Wife of Wm. Baer
Jackson Co. Ill.
1818
Carter, Wm.
ii
12
Farmer and Stock Raiser
South Carolina
1840
Carter, Mrs. M. A.
44
12
Wife of Wm. Carter
Jackson Co. Ill.
1828
Carter, Mrs. M. (d.)
ii
do Died May 2, 1862
Ky.
1839
Dishon, Bethime 1
Ava
Ava
f Editors and Publishers of
Union Co. Ill.
18
Jahn, Geo. E. j
44
44
\ the Ava Register
St. Louis, Mo.
1876
Davis, S. E.
44
44
Dry Goods, Groc. & G. Mer.
Dyer Co. Tenn.
1874
Downen, G. T.
Campbell Hill
Sec. 21
Farmer
Randolph Co. 11
1847
Duff, S. W.
44
3°
Farmer
Smith Co. Tenn
1838
Duff, Elizabeth
44
3°
Wife of S. W. Duff
Posey Co. Ind.
1832
Douglas, S. H.
Ava
Ava
Furniture Dealer
Randolph Co. 11
1874
Downen, James
Campbell Hill
Ca. Hill
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Posey Co. Ind.
1837
Downen, Mrs.L.H.
44
44
Wife ot James Downen
St. Chas. Co. Mo
1S49
Elmore, Jesse H.
Ava
Sec. 21
Farmer [Notary Public
Hardem’n CoTe
'S34
Grizzel, W. H.
44
Ava
Ins. Agent, City Marshall &
Kenton Co. Ky.
1861
Gordon, P. L.
“
44
Dry Goods, Clothing, Hats.
Randolph Co. II
IS73
Bigelow, R. O.
Boots & Shoes, Lime, Salt,
Alexand. Co. Ill
1874
Graham, Malcolm
Campbell Hill
Ca. Hill
Phys. & Surg. [Cement, &c.
Paducah, Ky.
1876
Hushand, J.
Ava
Ava
Caps, Hardware, Queensw
Somerset Co. Pa.
1867
Russell, F. M.
it
44
44 44
Jackson Co. Ill.
1850
Harris, Walter B.
44
Teacher
Wash. Co. Ind.
1850
-Hall, D. C.
Campbell Hill
Sec. 31
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jefferson Co. Te
1845
Hall, Elzira
44
31
Farmer
Limest’e Co. Ala
1840
Hall, Harley
44
3i
Husband E. Hall — d. 1864
Tenn.
1845
Hanna, J. F.
44
Ca. Hill
Drugs, Groc , Fancy Art’cls
Pope Co. Ill.
1873
Hanna, Mrs. Em.
-44
44
Wife of J. T. Hanna
Jackson Co. Ill
18S4
Hatfield, Edw. V.
Ava
Sec. 35
Farmer
St. Clair Co. Ill.
1850
Hatfield, Mrs. Ruth
44
35
Mother of E. V. Hatfield
Virginia
1850
Hatfield, Jas. (dc.)
4.
3
Husband - Hatfield
Ky.
1850
Hatfield, John C.
“
35
Farmer [July 26, 1866
St. Clair Co. Ill.
1S50
Hatfield, Mrs. Sar.
35
Wife of J. C. Hatfield— died
Tenn.
Jones, Wm. A.
44
Ava
Shoes, Hardware, Q’re, &c.
Jackson Co. Ill.
1841
Johnson, J. B.
44
44
Drugs, Fancy Notions, &c.
Monroe Co. Ill.
1S55
Tohnson, H.
44
44
Physician and Surgeon
“
1876
Killion, Geo. W.
44
44
Photographer and Tons. A.
Wash. Co. Ind.
1858
Koen, A. S.
44
44
Pro. of Restaurant
St. Clair Co. Ind
1869
Knauer, Fred.
“
ii
Pro. of Saloon
Germany
1S66
Lewis, F. D.
44
H
Cistern Builder & Plasterer
Bedford Co. Ten
1874
Luehrs, Chr. J.
Campbell Hill
Ca. Hill
Miller
Germany
1873
Luehrs, Lorette
f
44
Wife of C. Luehrs
“
1875
Mohlenbrock, Wm
ii
44
Merchant and Custom Mill
44
1866
Mohlenbrock, Mrs.
it
“
Wife of Wm. Mohlenbrock
1866
Rogers, Mrs. S. J.
“
Sec. 3
Farmer
Pa
Tomes, Alonzo W.
44
3
44
Redfield, Benjm.
44
21
‘‘ and Stock Raiser
N. Haven Co. Ct
1842
Rogers, Wm. C.
44
3°
it 44
Pike Co. Mo.
1838
Rogers, Mary
ii
3°
Wile ot W. C. Rogers
Jackson Co. Ill.
1845
Swartzcope, A. R.
44
Ca. Hill
Blacksmith and Merchant
1845
Swartzcope, Mrs M
it
44
Wife of A. R. Swartzcope
Scotland
•873
Tucker, Wm. R.
Ava
Ava
Plasterer, Brklyr & Carpntr
Near Col’bia, O.
1874
Underwood, G. W.
Campbell Hill
Sec. 4
Farmer
Wash. Co. Ill.
1S43
Underwood, Mrs A
44
4
Wife of G. W. Underwood
Perry Co. III.
Underwood, Wm.
44
4
Farmer, Dir in Ag Imp. &c.
Indiana
1843
Underwood, Mrs M
Wife of Wm. Underwood
•855
Wagner, W. G.
Ava
Ava
Drugs, Paints, Medic’s, & c.
Adams Co. Pa.
1868
Wagner, P. J.
Rockwood
Rockwo
44 44
Franklin Co. Pa.
1863
Wagner. |. 1.
Ava
Ava
44 4 4
Perry Co. Mo.
1869
Ward, J. H.
Campbell Hill
Sec. 20
Frmr, Stk Rr. Gr. & A. Imp
Alabama
1837
Ward, Mrs. Nancy
44
20
Wife of J. II. Ward [Dir
Kentucky
•835
White, Thos. C.
Ava
Ava
Dealer in Stoves & H’dwre
Wash. Co. Ill.
1870
White, Mary E.
Schuloak Hill
Sec. 7
Farming
Jackson Co. Ill.
1838
White, John (dc.)
Husb. M.E. White — d. 1873
Williams, John W.
Campbell Hill
29
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Franklin Co. 111.
1836
Williams, Mrs. A.
29
Wife of J. W. Williams
Jackson Co. Ill.
1S48
Williams, Mrs. P.
do died Aug. 19, 1865
Tenn.
1832
TOWNSHIP 8. RANGE 5.
Duncan, Wm. M.
Rockwood
Sec. 12
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Lancaster, Pa.
1831
Duncan, Mrs. N. A.
it
12
Wife of Wm. M. Duncan
Ky.
1870
Duncan, Sarah (d.)
it
do died Nov. 25, 1854
Randolph Co. 11.
1835
Duncan, Caroline
Died April 30, 1865
Ind.
1855
Duncan, Manila
44
Died September 6, 1875
Tenn.
186s
Hamilton, Archib.
ti
Sec. 28
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Ind.
1856
Hodges, Hezek. C.
Ii
II
Physician and Farmer
Jefferson Co. Te.
1847
Hodges, Mrs. Nan.
ti
II
Wife of H. C. Hodges
S. C.
1847
Luttrell, James H.
44
II
Physician, Surgeon & Fmr.
Morgan Co. Ill.
1857
Luttrell, Reb. Jane
Wife J. H. L.— died 1854
Tenn.
Luttrell, El. Agnes
Died Sept. 28, 1876
London, Eng.
1859
Luttrell, W. Sher.
Son-Died Ran. Co. Ill. 1876
Adair Co. Mo.
Murden, Wm. H.
Rockwood
Sec. 15
Farmer and Fruit Grdwer
Ky.
1829
Murden, Jos. E.
44
>5
Wife of Wm. H. Murden
Ky.
1847
Morgan, R. Burns
4 4
20
Fanner and Stock Raiser
Arkansas
1864
Morgan, Mrs. M.
44
20
Wife of R. B. Morgan
Madison Co. Ill.
1864
Pike, Wm. B.
44
11
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Summer Co. Te.
1829
Pike, Mrs. Eliza
44
n
Wife of Wm. B. Pike
Rockl’d Co. N Y
1848
Price, M.
44
33
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Perry Co. Mo.
1863
Price, Mrs. Amelia
44
33
Wife of M. Price
Jackson Co. Ill.
1847
Price, Miss Bertha
it
33
Daughter of M. and A. Price
44
1875
Sneede, W. J.
44
12
Farmer
Gallatin Co. Ill.
1876
Sneede, Mrs. N.
44
12
Wife of W. J. Sneede
Union Co. Ill.
1861
130
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
CITY OF
CARBONDALE
& TOWNSHIP 9.
RANGE
1.
Came
Name.
Post Office.
Resid.
Occupation.
Nativity.
to Co.
Allen, Robert
Carbondale
Carb’ale
Principal S. Ill. Normal U.
t
New London, C.
1874
Allen, W. J.
It
it
Attorney-at-law [Library
Tenn.
1847
Able, 0. H.
it
tt
City Clk & Cashier of Bank
N. Y.
1867
Anderson, John )
It
Sec. 30
Farmer
E. Tenn.
1869
Anderson, Mrs. )
“
30
Wife of John Anderson
Perry Co. ill.
1858
Brownlee. Jas. H.
tl
Carb’ale
Elocutionist S. Ill. Norm. U.
Ind.
1874
Beman, H. R. W.
li
tt
Dir in Grocs. & Provisions
Georgia
1859
Burns, R. W.
it
Sec. 6
Farmer and Stonemason
Randolph Co. 11
1842
Baxter, M. J.
tl
*3
tt d
Pa.
1840
Brainard, A. N.
H
18
it
Canada
1869
Baird, W. H.
H
16
Faimer, Carpntr. & Brckmr
Madison Co. Ill.
1865
Baird, Oliver (dc.)
Died 1866
N. C.
1863
Baird, Lavinia
tt
16
Wife of W. H. Baird
Ky.
1863
Boren, James
it
22
Retired Farmer
Robinson Co. Te
1829
Boren, Sarah W.
ft
22
Wife of J. Boren — d. 1876
S. C.
1829
Crowther, J. T.
it
Carb’ale
Engineer and Machinist
England
1866
Cole, J. H.
tt
Sec. 9
Farmer
Henry Co.
1865
Crowell, E. S.
"
30
((
Perry Co.
1858
Crowell, Mrs. H C
it
3°
Wife of E. S. Crowell
it
1858
Crowell, Milos
it
30
Farmer
N. C.
1848
Crowell, Martha
tt
3°
Wife of M. Crowell
Tennessee
1848
Crowell, Charles
tt
31
Farmer
it
1852
Crowell, Carol. W.
tt
Wife of Charles Crowell
Ill.
1856
Duff, Andrew D.
tt
Carb’aie
Attorney-at-Law
Bond Co. Ill.
1873
Deason, Wm.
tt
ti
Livery, Sale & Feed Stables
Jackson Co. Ill.
1832
Elliott, E. H.
tt
a
Grocr & Agt Self Rec. Chair
Ohio
i860
Foster, Granv. F.
it
tt
Prof. Physiol. Hist. & Geog
St. John’s, N. B.
1874
Fligon, P. K.
u
it
Lumber Dealer
Pa.
1865
Fligon, M. T.
ti
ti
Wife of P. K. Fligon
Ohio
1865
Fligon, P. M.
tt
ti
Son of P. K. & F. M. Fligon
Perry Co. Ill.
1865
do A.MKS.GG&
tt
a
Born in
Jackson Co. Ill.
Goldman, M. [TM
tt
tt
Clothing Merchant
Prussia
1867
Gager, Chas.
it
it
Propr. of Newell House
Ger.
1874
Haynes, S. H.
tt
ti
Attorney-at-Law
Ky.
1874
Hadley, Wm.
ti
tt
Retired Lumber Merchant
Ky.
1864
Hull, John
ti
tt
Prof. Higher Math. S. I. U.
Marion Co. Ill.
1875
Hawkins, J. L.
tt
it
Pastor of Presb. Church
Chamberg, Va.
1871
Hillman, A. C.
ti
tt
Prof. Ast’y & Arith. & Pri’pl
N. Y.
1874
Hara, John O.
it
n
Physician [Prep’ry Dp’nt
Canada
1864
Hanson, S. M.
ti
Sec. 13
Farmer
England
1829
Hanson, M. A. J.
“
Wife of S. M. Hanson
<•
1841
do M. M. An. & A1
a
Daughters of M A & S M H
Jackson Co. Ill.
Hay, Edgar
tt
29
Farmer
St. Clair Co. Ill.
1868
Hall, H.L.
tt
8
It
N. Y.
1855
Hall, M. E. Will’s
ft
8
Wife of II. S. Hall
Jackson Co. Ill.
1857
do Chas. L. & L. E.
tt
8
Children ofHL&MEH
tt
Hobbs, James
“
27
Farmer
“ Miss.
1865
Do. Mrs. D.
ti
27
Wife of J. Hobbs
Ill.
1848
Ingersoll, E. J.
a
Carb’ale
Dir Rpr Watches Clks Jy
Ind.
1859
Jennelle, J. J.
a
“
Dentist, Carbade & Duquoin
N. Y.
1877
Louden, 0. P.
a
Sec. 13
Farmer and Stock Raiser
W’mson Co. Ill.
1865
Logan, John A.
Chicago
Chicago
Ex. U. S. Senator
Jackson Co. Ill.
1829
Lemma, Wm. A.
Carbondale
Carb’ale
Attorney-at-Law
Ill.
1858
Murden, Edward
ti
Sec. 34
Farmer
Ky.
1833
Murden, Mary Lee
it
34
Wife of Edward Murden
Franklin Co. Ill.
1835
Murden, Phoebe J.
it
34
C Children of E. & M. S.
Murden, John A.
34
f Murden
Jackson Co. Ill.
Marron, Robt. H.
it
31
Farmer
Georgia
1832
Marron, Adaline L
tt
31
Wife of R. H. Marron
Alabama
1856
Marron, John C.
it
31
Son of R. H. & A. S. Marron
Gallatin Co. Ill.
1850
Marron, M & T W
ti
Children of do
ti
North, T. E.
it
Carb’ale
General Merchants
Pa.
1861
Campbell, John G.
ti
li
tl
W’mson Co. Ill.
1854
Norman, -Allen D.
tt
tt
Attomey-at-Law
ti
1867
Prickett, F. A.
“
tt
Druggist and Mayor of City
West Va.
1857
Purdy, E. P.
it
ti
Lumber Merchant
Vt.
•835
Richart Ed. B.
“
it
Merchant & Telegraph Opr.
Jackson Co. Ill.
1859
Robarts, James
“
li
Physician
Philadelphia, Pa.
1836
Ross, Geo. C.
it
tt
Tchr. & Supt. City Schoo's
Franklin Co. Ill.
1874
Smith, Samuel
it
tt
[Co & Howe Sew’g M Co
Ill.
1866
Sylvester, R. G.
it
tt
Drugst & Agt N Y Life Ins
Maine
1866
Scurlock, J. M.
It
it
Produce Dir & City Treasr
W’mson Co. Ill.
1863
Stone & Co.
it
it
Propr. City Custom Mills
Ky.
1862
Starkweather, A A
it
It
Cigars, Tob., Ice Cr., Oyst.
Gennes’eCoN Y
1866
Smith, E. H.
it
“
Cor Chi Trib St L Gl& Bern
Montg. Co. N Y
1864
Snider, Elizabeth
it
Sec. 23
Farmer and Stock Raiser
W’mson Co. Ill.
1856
Thorp, Jos. B.
tl
Carb’ale
it
New York
1848
Thirston, Geo. W.
ti
Sec. 22
it
W’mson Co. Ill.
1863
Van Benthusen, W
tt
22
Ed. and Pub. Observer
Iowa
1876
Morgan, George
**
22
it tt
Iowa
1876
Waddington, Wm.
tt
34
Farmer
England
1840
Mrs. Louisa
it
34
Wife of W. Waddington
Ky.
1830
Sarah A. Josephine
C Children of W. and Lou.
do James & Ellen
( Waddington
Jackson Co. Ill.
Winchester, Sami.
TOWNSHIP 11. RANGE 3.
Clancey, Jas. P.
Grand Tower
Sec. $
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Hardin Co. Ky.
1873
East, T. J.
tt
6
tl it
Jackson Co. Ill.
1856
Noe, Wm.
it
7
it it
Lee Co. Va.
1869
TOWNSHIP 8. RANGE 3.
Name.
Bagley, Wm.
Baker, Wm.
Crossin, Silas
Gooden, P.
Fraley, H. J.
Fraley, Mrs. D.
Holliday, Wm.
Holliday, G. A.
King, Freeman
Levan, Samuel
Levan, Mrs. E.
Levan, O. J.
McCluer, John A.
McCluer, Mrs. C.
McCluer, D. A.
Pierson, Wm.
Qualls, Wilson
Qualls, Amanda
Reiman, Andrew
Reiman, Mrs. M.
Sorrels, John W.
Sorrels, Mead
Shannon, Samuel
Wilson, J. V.
Waldbers, Frederk
Wayman, J. W.
Wayman, John W
Youngman, John
Adams, Noah
Bradshaw, John
Glodo, J. V.
Wiebush, J. M.
Post Office.
Resid.
Occupation.
Nativity.
Came
to Co.
Ava
Sec. 9
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Arkansas
1830
Murphysboro
24
<<
Cape Girard. Mp
1838
Gillsburgh
2
it
Jackson Co. Ill.
1844
“
I
“ and Stock Rdlser
Atlantic Ocean
1842
Murphysboro
2
“
Rowan Co. N C
1837
it
2
Wife of H. J. Fraley
Perry Co. Ill.
183 s
Ava
IO
Farmer
Jackson Co. Ill.
1841
Murphysboro
34
Farmer and Stock Raiser
ti
1831
tt
IO
It , tl
Somerset Co. Pa
1841
it
IO
(C
i<
1836
a
IO
Wife of Samuel Levan
It
1836
ti
15
Farmer
it
1836
it
3
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Richland Co. 0.
1838
“
3
Wife of J. A. McCluer
Luzerne Co. Pa.
1838
it
3
Son of J. A. & C. McCluer
Jackson Co. 111.
1858
Ava
7
<<
Boon Co. Ky.
1866
Murphysboro
» i
20
“ and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. III.
1834
20
Wife of W. Qualls
“
18.31
tt
>4
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Somerset Co. Pa
1844
it
14
Wife of A. Reiman
ti
1844
ti
2
Farmer
Franklin Co. Te
1827
ti
2
it
Jackson Co. Ill.
i8s.3
Gillsburgh
2
“ and Stock Raiser
Westm’d Co. Pa
18-
((
32
Fruit Grower
Madi’n Co. N Y
1862
it
29
Farmer
Germany
‘853
Murphysboro
35
{ School Directors }
it
26
( District No. 3 5
it
35
Farmer
TOWNSHIP 9. RANGE 4.
Fountain Bluff
Sec. 7
Farmer
Hardin Co. Ky.
1863
“
23
ti
Ind.
i8s°
ti
l6
it
France
i8S9
tt
20
“ and Clerk.
Randolph Co. 11
1869
TOWNSHIP 10. RANGE 2.
Bostwick, Stephen
Murphysboro
Sec. 6
Farmer and Stock Raiser
W’mson Co. Te.
Conner, J. G.
Ethan
4
it it
Jackson Co. 111.
Easterly, Branner
Murphysboro
4
it li
Greene Co. Ten.
Ellis, Reuben
Pomona
19
a tt
Union Co. III.
Ellis, Minerva J.
<<
l9
Wife of R. Ellis
Ky.
Fletcher, John W.
tt
3°
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. 111.
Fletcher, Susan A.
it
3°
Wife of J. W. Fletcher
Union Co. Ill.
Freeman, J. W.
Carbondale
12
Farmer and Fruit Grower
Tenn.
Freeman, E. P.
it
12
Wife of J. W. Freeman
tt
Glenn, Hilliard.
Ethan
8
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. 111.
Hahn, Henry
Pomona
28
Flouring Mill
Union Co. Ill.
Hahn, Cynthia
it
28
Wife of H. Hahn
<<
Hagler, Elizabeth
ti
28
Farmer
Jackson Co. Ill.
Hagler, Tillman
tl
D’dhusb. E. Hagle-d. 1869
N. C.
Lindsey, Simon
ti
19
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. Ill.
Lindsey, Tabitha
ti
1 9
Wife of S. Lindsey
Warren Co. Ten
Lindsey, Richd. G.
it
19-
Son of S. & T. Lindsey
Jackson Co. Ill.-
Lindsey, Wm. E.
ti
ig-
ti tt it
it
Lindsey, O. E.
it
19
“ born 1858-died ibbi
Lindsey, Jas. A.
it
19
it
Lindsey, Caleb N.
it
19
“ born 1861-died 1872
Lindsey, Nancy J.
tt
19
Daughrdo — b 1863-d 1872
It
Lindsey, Elizabeth
tt
19
“ — b 1866-d 1872
Lindsey, Henry
it
19
Son do — b. 1872-d. 1872
it
Lindsey, Simon E.
it
19
Son do
it
Lindsey, Caleb, Jr.
it
30
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. Ill.
Lindsey, Nancy
a
3°
Wife of C. Lindsey
Union Co. III.
Robinson, Lloyd
tt
Pomona
Merchant
Jackson Co. Ill.
TOWNSHIP 9. RANGE 3.
1 866
1830
1850
1839
1828
1841
1866
1868
1868
1829
1868
1868
1820
1818
1829
1852
•853
1855
i860
1876
183S
1856
>853
Aht, John R.
Murphysboro
Sec. 2
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Buck’m Co. Va.
1854
Bellamy, Mrs. H.
it
25
it
tt
Posey Co. Ind.
1859
Blake, W. H.
Carbondale
l6
Book Keeper
Montg. Co. Ten
1877
Carter, John B.
Murphysboro
24
Farmer
Gibson Co. Ind.
1877
Creath, Phineas
it
6
i (
ti
Jackson Co. Ill.
1841
Creath, Wm.
ti
9
it
“
tl
1849
Casey, C. A.
it
6
“
it
ti
1837
Dray, H. S.
Grand Tower
30
tt
Ross Co. Ohio
1873
Jacobs, J. W.
Murphysboro
14
it '
Jeff. Co. Jenn.
1850
Porter, L. A.
it
9
ti
tt
Galia Co. Ohio
1855
Porter, Mrs. Mary
(•
9
Wife of L. A.
Porter
Jackson Co. Ill.
1837
Worthen, Mrs. M.
it
9
Mother of Mrs. Porter
Somerset Co. Pa
1813
Qualls, J. O.
tt
24
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Jackson Co. III.
1823
Snider, A. J.
tl
l6
«
Montg. Co. Ohio
1858
Worthen, Ed.
tt
12
it
it
Jackson Co. Ill.
1848
Worthen, Thomas
it
2
tt
tl
tt
1836
Worthen, Cath’rine
it
2
Wife of Thos. Worthen
Somerset Co. Pa
1844
Worthen, Mrs. L.
Grand Tower
30
Fanner
Jackson Co. Ill.
1842
Worthen, Sarah A.
Murphysboro
1
3
tt
Ireland
1854
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
131
TOWNSHIP lO.
RANGE 1.
TOWNSHIP lO.
RANGE 1.
[Continued.]
Came
Name.
Post Office.
Resid.
Occupation.
Nativity.
to Co.
Agnew, Frank M.
Makanda
Sec. 34
Practicing Physician
Ohio
1864
Agnew, Hat. E. E.
«
34
Wife of F. M. Agnew
Tenn.
1864
Agnew, J. Allen
Agnew, Theo. Lee
Agnew, Anna B.
Bailey, S. L.
f Children of H. E. & )
1 F. M. Agnew.
Makanda
Makand
Merch’t, Nur’y & Fruit Gr.
Mahonn’gCo.O.
1865
Brewster, Albert R
it
Constable and Collector
Jackson Co. Ill.
1849
Brewster, John '
Died 1867
Va.
1832
Brewster, Mary M.
Wile ot John Brewster
Jackson Co. Ill.
it
1820
Bradon, Thomas
Carbondale
Sec. 13
Farmer
1830
Bradon, Martha
Wife of T. Bradon
Tenn.
1847
Mary, Adeline, Ba
rbery, Wm., H
enry, |
f Children of T. and M, \
Jackson Co. III.
Mel via & Alonzo
Bradon
\ Bradon. /
Biggs, C. E.
Makanda
Sec. 10
Farmer
It
1851
Branson, Hugh
Carbondale
Sec. 2
ii
Ill.
1877
Branson, Adeline
ii
2
Wife of Hugh Branson
Miss.
1844
Cooper, A. R.
ii
Sec. 17
Farmer
Tenn.
i860
Devoe, Amos
Ii
Sec. 8
<4
Ohio
1865
Devoe, Lydia A.
it
8
Wife of Amos Devoe
if
1865
Devoe. Louisa A.
Devoe, Rachel A.
Frances, Sulla
Elwood, Ang
nn, Florence
eline, J
J-.Me [
f Children of A. & L )
1 A. Devoe
It
Iowa
Frazier, Samuel L.
Makanda
Sec. 22
Farmer
Ind.
1876
Grainmer, J. C.
“
Sec. 17
fi
Jackson Co. Ill.
1848
Grainmer, E. P.
if
17
Wile of J. C. Grainmer
It
1850
Grainmer, John N.
Blanch, Geo.,
Edwin,
Children of H. &. E. P. G.
Hartman, J. S.
Makanda
Makand
Carpenter & Fruit Grower
[ \
Pa.
1865
Hartman, Alice M.
ii
fi
Hartman, Carrie A.
it
fi
Hartman, Agnes A.
ti
if
Children of J. S. H. U
Hartman, Hat. B.
ii
“
Hartman, Joseph’e.
Hallow, R. V.
a
ti
ii
Manf. of Fruit Box material
Pa.
1865
Hopkins, W. F.
it
tf
Attorney at Law
Mo.
1869
Holland, J. C.
ft
Sec. 1
Farmer and Mechanic
Tenn.
1863
Holland, Mrs. J.C.
a
it
Wife of J. C. Holland
N. Y.
1863
Hagler, Izri
it
Makand
Tanner and J. P.
Jackson Co. 1111
1839
Hagler, Harriet R.
a
it
Wife of I. Hagler
Ohio
1837
Hagler, Ephraim
Child of I. and H. Hagler
Jackson Co. Ill.
1868
Hagler, Wm. J.
Carbondale
Sec. 6
Farmer and Carpenter
Ill.
1836
Hagler, Harriett G.
ii
if
Wife of W. J. Hagler
tf
1849
Chas., H. & M. E.
Lirely, S. P.
Children of W. J. Hagler
Jacksoa Co. Ill.
Makanda
Sec. 30
Farmer & Fruit Grower
Union Co. Ill.
1824
Lirely, Lucinda
ii
30
Wife of S. P. Lirely
f»
1847
Susan, L., Samuel
P., Alice L.,
Wm. I
Jackson Co. Ill.
H., Ida J., Chas
T., Cora E., E
mi. L. J
Morgan, Samuel
Makanda
Sec. 30
Farmer and Fruit Grower
Ill.
1818
McGee, J. M.
it
Makand
Cooper
Ky.
1858
Mauphardt, Henry
ii
Restaurant & Bakery
Germany
1872
Mauphardt, A. P.
Wife of H. Mauphardt
ti
1872
Prickett, Thomas J.
it
Sec. 20
Fruit Grower
Ill.
1862
Prickett, L. J. Hall
ft
ii
Wife of T. J. Prickett
Ohio
1862
Prickett, John A.
Prickett, Joseph’eC.
Prickett, Blanche
f Children of T. J. and )
j L. H. Prickett
Edwardsville Ill
Prickett, J, E.
f.
Sec. 18
Farmer and Fruit Grower
St. Clair Co. Ill.
1863
Prickett, Elisha
<i
18
it tt it a
Georgia
1863
Prickett, E.(dec’d)
Isaac, James S, and
Mary Prickett.
Died 1868
Mo.
Augusta, Thomas,
John, Ellen, J
ulia,
St. Clair Co. Ill.
& Catherine Pri
ckett
Powers, N. J.
Makanda
Makand
Drugs and Groceries
Tenn.
1865
Powers, Elinor A.
it
if
Wife of N. J. Powers
Merch’t, Far’r, & Grain Dir
ft
1865
Pattersod, G. W..
ii
It
Ireland
1858
Susan Zimmerman
if
fi
Wife of G. W. Patterson
Union Co. Ill.
1873
Rendleman, Jeff. J.
it
Sec. 35
Farmer and Fruit Grower
Jackson Co. Ill.
1843
Rendleman, Wm.
ii
35
ft it ft ii
it
1843
Rendleman, Annie
Wife of Wm. Rendleman
Union Co. III.
1843
Rendleman, M.
if
35
Farmer and Fruit Grower
ft
1869
Rendleman, Eliz.
ii
35 1
Wife of M. Rendleman
it
1869
John J & Unice A.
ft
35
Ch. of M. & E. Rendleman
Jackson Co. Ill.
Rice, J. S.
35
Farmer and Fruit Grower
Richland Co. Ill.
1868
Rice, M. L. Smith
ii
35
Wife of J. S. Rice
Tenn.
1868
Rice, Willie P.
j Children of J. S. and 1
Rice, Ida Bell
\ M. L. Rice /
Robinson, M. S.
Carbondale
Sec. 17
Farmer
Ind.
1864
Robinson, A.W.(d)
W’f. of M. S. Rob’n, d. 1871
ii
1864
Robinson, W. P.
a
Sec. 8
Farmer and Nurseryman
if
1863
Robinson, E. (d.)
W’f. of W. P. Rob’n, d. 1872
Ky.
1863
Springer, J. S.
Makanda
Sec. 15
Farmer and Fruit Grower
ill.
1867
Springer, Mary H.
«<
15
Wife of J. S. Springer
Iowa
1864
Schwartz, Jacob Sr.
if
19
Retired Merchant
Pa.
1817
Schwartz, Mary P.
it
Wife of J. Schwartz
Ireland
1850
Schwartz, J. P.
ii
Makand
Salesman
Jackson Co. Ill.
1853
Smith, G. W.
it
ii
Boot and Shoe Shop
Cape Girardeau
1869
Smith, Dora C. C.
a
ii
Wife of G. W. Smith
Union Co. Ill.
1869
Smith, Seva
Smith, Charles
ti
J Children of G. W. & 1
Smith, Hattie B.
J D. C. Smith [
Smith, Harry
Smith, J. T.
it
it
l )
Salesman
Cape Girardeau
1869
Smith, Sarah E.
tt
it
Wife of J. S. Smith
Ill.
1865
Shultz, N. L.
Carbondale
Sec. 8
Fanner and Fruit Grower
N. Y.
«873
Shultz, Mary J.
Wife of N. L. Schultz
Miss.
1873
Spence, Samuel
it
6
Farmer
Jackson Co. Ill.
1849
Spence, Perlina,
■ it
6
Wife of S. Spence
N. C.
1868
Steames, Silas
ii
»7
Farmer
Union Co. Ill.
1853
Steames, Susan
Wife of S. Stearnes
Ind.
i8S3
Name.
Stearries, John C.
Stephens, MiltonE.
Stephens, Matilda
J. S„ N. J., T. A,
T. M„ M. M., S. J,
Thompson, Jos. B.
Thompson, Sarah
Tyget, Hugh
Wiley, Benj. L.
Wiley, Emily Dav.
Wallace, V. P.
Wallace, Carol’e S.
Waggoner, F. R.
Waggoner, Eliza H
Waldo W., Rose B.
R., Russell, D. and
Pearl Waggoner
Waldo, J, C.
Waldo, Hannah
Post Office.
Resid.
Occupation.
Makanda
ii
A. B.
C. H. &E.M.
Makanda
Carbondale
Makanda
<1
Carbondale
and F. W.
Makanda'
Sec. 29
Sec. 29
Steph’ns
Sec. 27
27
2
29
29
8
8
5
5
Son of S. and S. Steames
Farmer
Wife of M. E. Stephens
Chiidren of M. E. Stephens
Firmer and Fruit Grower
Wife of J. B. Thompson
Farmer
Farmer and Fruit Grower
Wife of B. L. Wiley
Farmer
Wife of V. P. Wallace
Physician & Horticulturist
Wife of F. R. Waggoner
f Children of F. R. & \
j C. H. Waggoner
Farmer and Fruit Grower
Wife of J. C. Waldo
Nativity.
Came
to Co.
Union Co. Ill.
iSss
Tenn.
1876
it
1876
Ky.
Ill.
Va.
1872
Will’ms’n Co. Ill
1873
Va.
183S
Ohio
i860
Union Co. Ill.
i860
Ky.
1844
Jackson Co. Ill.
1844
Ill.
tS7.3
Ind.
1873
Ill.
Colorado
Ind.
Ohio
1863
Delaware
1863
TOWNSHIP 8. RANGE 2.
Beasley, Robert A.
De Soto
Sec. 25
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Wil’mson Co. Ill
1838
Bouscher, Samuel
Murphysboro
29
“ “
Somerset Co. 1’a
>839
Bouscher, Harmon
“
14
j Directors of School J
Butler, Giles H.
ti
14
\ Dist. No. 2 T. 8 R. 2 )
Bowlby, W. W.
“
28
( Directors of School )
Whipley, S. F.
it
28
i Dist. No. 7 T. 8 R. 2 5
Corey, George B.
ii
13
Farmer and Miller
Worc’r Co. Mas.
1S37
Cox, Davis
it
3
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Ohio Co. Ky.
1845
Davis, W. H.
“
22
Farmer and Blacksmith
Floyd Co. Ind.
• 839
Griffith, Cy. S.
“
21
Farmer, Stk. Rr. & Confer
Jackson Co.
1836
Griffith. John J.
ft
Dec’d June, 1863
Somerset Co. Pa
1836
Gray, Sami. H.
It
20
Farmer and Miner
Montg’y Co. Pa.
183s
Hall, H. H.
Elkville
2
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Tackson Co. Ill.
1825
Hall, Phineas C.
“
Died in 1870
Ky.
1S06
Holt, Johnson
Murphysboro
3
Farmer and Teacher
Green Co. Ind.
ISSI
Holt, Wm.
Died Nov. 3d, 1876
Mifflin Co. Pa.
1851
Harris, Benj. L.
if
l6
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Smith Co. Tenn.
1839
Harris, Achilles
Died Nov. 3d, 1867
Pittsylv’ia Co Va
1839
Hall, H. II.
Elkville
21
C Directors of School )
Lichliter, H. H.
( Dist. No. 4 T. 8 R. 2 )
Imhoff, Henry
Murphysboro
29
Farmer and Blacksmith
Somerset Co. Pa
1857
Imhoff, James
ii
30
Farmer and Stock Raiser
it
1854
Imhoff, Andrew
<i
29
« <.
ii
1854
Imhoff, Augustus
ii
27
it ti
1854
Kimmel, Philip, Sr
De Soto
23
ti 1 1
ti
1840
Kimmel, Jos.
II
24
ti a
Jackson Co. Ill.
1844
McGown, C. C.
ii
12
a ii
Johnson Co. Ill.
IS65
McGown, John H.
Ii
12
ti it
Wil’mson Co. 11
1866
Pate, P,, Jr.
Murphysboro
21
a 11
Jackson Co. Ill.
1848
Pate, P., Sr.
tt
21
a t i
“ Tenn.
1841
Pile, John
ii
20
a it
Somerset Co. Pa.
1841
Rolens, Wm. R.
fi
7
Farmer and Teacher
Guernsey Co. 0.
IS59
Rolens, W. F.
if
7
ti
Ohio
1859
Saylor, Perry A.
ii
3°
Farmer and Carpenter
Somerset Co. Pa.
1844
Saylor, J. W. (dc.)
Died Oct. 4, 1865.
“
1844
Sprecher, Rev. D.
De Soto
23
Minister Ev. Luth. Church
Wythe Co. Va.
IS69
Spangler, Josiah
it
12
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Somerset Co. Pa.
IS49
Snyder, Elizab. J.
Murphysboro
17
“
ti
1850
Snyder, Christian
Died April 3, 1877
Ii
IS50
Will, G. G.
<«
26
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Springfield, 111.
1836-
Wilson, T. M.
it
L’s M’ls
Tchr. & Acct. Lewis’ Mills
Jackson Co. Ill.
1854
Willson, M. Jane
ii
Sec. 20
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Franklin Co. Ill.
IS3I
Willson, J. A.
Died Sept. 1 1, 1858
NY
1840
Wheeler, M. M.
ft
26
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Somerset Co. Pa.
1836
Wheeler, Logan
Died March 6, 1873
Ind.
1852
Walker, F. H.
De Soto
13
Farmer and Carpenter
Somerset Co. Pa.
1855
Younkin, Ephraim
ft
13
Farmer and Stock Raiser
ti
IS36
TOWNSHIP 10. RANGE 3.
Broder, Frank A.
Grand Tower
Sec. 7
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Germany
1859
East, James P.
tt
*3
* i ii
Jackson Co. Ill.
1829
Easterly, John R.
if
5
II It
II
1847
Easterly, Geo. A.
tt
5
II ii
<<
•853
Weber, A.
ti
7
a a
Germany
1872
TOWNSHIP
7. RANGE 5.
Bradley, Martha Y
Shiloah Hill
Sec. 13
Farmer [died June, 1870
Jackson Co. Ten
"839
Bradley, B. F. (d.)
“ [Rcoll
«3
Husband of M. Y. Bradley
Cross, Thos. J.
It
13
Farmer and Stock Raiser
it
1840
Cross, Minna
ii
13
Wife of T. J. Cross
Randolph Co.
1874
Morgan, Jesse
It
12
Farmer
Kenton Co. Ky.
1850
Morgan, Maria
fi
12
Wife of Jesse Morgan
tt
1850
Thompson, J. C.
Campbell Hill
24
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Living’n Co. Ky
1847
Thompson, Cynth.
It
24
Wife of J. C. Thompson
Wil’mson Co. Ill
1847
Webb, Eli
Shiloah Hill
13
Farmer and Stock Raiser
Maine
1864
Webb, Martha Ann
Ii
13
Wife of E. Webb
Randolph Co.
1864
Will, D. G.
it
25
Fanner and Stock Raiser
Somerset Co. Pa
1836
Will, Mrs. E.
it
25
Wife of D. G. Will
ft
1840
REVISED CONSTITUTION OF ILLINOIS
PREAMBLE.
We, the people of the State of Illinois — grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political
and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for
a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and transmit the same unimpaired to succeeding
generations — in order to form a more perfect government, establish justice, insure domestic
tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the bless¬
ings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity; do ordain and establish this constitution for
the State of Illinois.
ARTICLE I.
BOUNDARIES.
The boundaries and jurisdiction of the State shall be as follows, to wit : Beginning at
the mouth of the Wabash river; thence up, the same, and with the line of Indiana, to the
northwest corner of said State ; thence east, with the line of the same State, to the middle
of Lake Michigan ; thence north, along the middle of said lake, to north latitude 42 degrees
and 30 minutes ; thence west to the middle of the Mississippi river, and thence down along
the middle of that river to its confluence with the Ohio river, and thence up the latter river,
along its northwestern shore, to the place of beginning : Provided , that this State shall exer¬
cise such jurisdiction upon the Ohio river as she is now entitled to, or such as may
hereafter be agreed upon by this State and the State of Kentucky.
ARTICLE II.
\ 14. No ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or making any
irrevocable grant of special privileges or immunities, shall be passed.
§ 15. The military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.
| 16. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent
of the owner'; nor in time of war except in the manner prescribed by law.
(! 17. The people have the right to assemble in a peaceable manner to consult for the
common good, to make known their opinions to their representatives, and to apply for
redress of grievances.
§ 18. All elections shall be free and equal.
| 19. Every person ought to find a certain remedy in the laws for all injuries and wrongs
which he may receive in his person, property or reputation; he ought to obtain, by law,
right and justice freely, and without being obliged to purchase it, completely and without
denial, promptly and without delay.
\ 20. A frequent recurrence to the fundamental principles of civil government is abso¬
lutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty.
ARTICLE III.
DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS.
The powers of the Government of this State are divided into three distinct departments
— the Legislative, Executive and Judicial ; and no person, or collection of persons, being
one of these departments, shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the
others, except as hereinafter expressly directed or permitted.
BILL OF RIGHTS.
ARTICLE IV.
1. Inherent and Inalienable Rights.
2. Due Process of Law.
3. Liberty of Conscience Guaranteed.
4. Freedom of the Press — Libel.
5. Right of Trial by Jury.
6. Unreasonable Searches and Seizures.
7. Bail allowed — Writ of Habeas Corpus.
8. Indictment required — Grand Jury Abolished.
9. Rights of Persons Accused of Crime.
10. Self-Crimination — Former Trial.
§11. Penalties proportionate — Corruption — For-
feiture.
12 12. Imprisonment for Debt,
g 13. Compensation for Property taken.
14. Ex post facto laws — Irrevocable Grants.
15. Military Power Subordinate.
16. Quartering of Soldiers.
17. Right of Assembly and Petition.
18. Elections to be Free and Equal.
19. What Laws ought to be.
$ 20. Fundamental Principles.
$ I. All men are by nature free and independent, and have certain inherent and inalien¬
able rights — among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To secure these
rights and the protection of property, governments are instituted among men, deriving their
just powers from the consent of the governed.
\ 2. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law.
| 3. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without dis¬
crimination, shall forever be guaranteed ; and no person shall be denied any civil or political
right, privilege or capacity, on account of his religious opinions; but the liberty of conscience
hereby secured shall not be construed to dispense with oaths or affirmations, excuse acts of
licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of the State. No
person shall be required to attend or support any ministry or place of worship against his
consent, nor shall any preference be given by law to any religious denomination or mode of
worship.
$ 4. Every person may freely speak, write and publish on all subjects, being responsible
for the abuse of. that liberty; and in all trials for libel, both civil and criminal, the truth,
when published with good motives and for justifiable ends, shall be a sufficient defense.
$ 5. The right of trial by jury as heretofore enjoyed shall remain inviolate ; but the
trial of civil cases before justices of the peace by a jury of less than twelve men, may be
authorized by law.
6. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects,
against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated ; and no warrant shall
issue without probable cause, supported by affidavit, particularly describing the place to be
searched, and the person or things to be seized.
\ 7. All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses, where
the proof is evident or the presumption great ; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus
shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may
require it.
\ 8. No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense, unless on indictment of a
grand jury, except in cases in which the punishment is by fine, or imprisonment otherwise than
in the penitentiary, in cases of impeachment, and in cases arising in the army and navy, or
in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger : Provided, that the
grand jury may be abolished bylaw inf all cases.
\ 9. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right to appear and defend
in person and by counsel; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation, and to have a
copy thereof; to' meet the witnesses face to face, and to have process to compel the attend¬
ance of witnesses in his behalf, and a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the county
or district in which the offense is alleged to have been committed.
g 10. No person shall be compelled in any criminal case to give evidence against him¬
self, or be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense.
$ 11. All penalties shall be proportioned to the nature of the offense; and no conviction
shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture of estate ; nor shall any person be transported
out of the State for any offense committed within the same.
\ 12. No person shall be imprisoned for debt, unless upon refusal to deliver up his estate
for the benefit of his creditors, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law ; or in cases
where there is strong presumption of fraud.
$13. Private property shall not be taken or damaged for public use without just compen¬
sation. Such compensation, when not made by the State, shall be ascertained by a jury, as
shall be prescribed by law. The fee of land taken for railroad tracks, without consent of
the owners thereof, shall remain in such owners, subject to the use for which it is taken.
132
13 1. General Assembly elective.
3 2. Time of Election — Vacancies.
3 3. Who are Eligible.
3 4. Disqualification by Crime.
5. Oath taken by members.
6. Senatorial Apportionments.
7. & 8. Minority Representation.
9. Time of meeting — General Rules.
10. Secretary — Adjournment — Journals, Protests,
ix. Style of Laws.
12. Origin and passage of Bills.
13. Reading — Printing -Title — Amendments.
14. Privileges of members
15. Disabilities of members.
16. Bills making Appropriations.
17. Payment of money — Statement of Expenses.
Ordinary Expenses — Casual Deficits — Appro¬
priations limited.
119. Extra Compensation or Allowance.
20. Public Credit not loaned.
21. Pay and mileage of members.
22. Special Legislation prohibited.
23. Against Release from Liability.
24. Proceedings on Impeachment.
25. Fuel, Stationery, and Printing.
26. State not to be sued.
27. Lotteries and Gift Enterprises.
28. Terms of Office not Extended.
29. Protection of operative miners.
£ 30. Concerning Roads — public and private.
3 31. Draining and Ditching.
32. Homestead and Exemption Laws.
3 33- Completion of the State House.
LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT.
I 18.
$ 1. The legislative power shall be vested in a General Assembly, which shall consist
of a Senate and House of Representatives, both to be elected by the people.
ELECTION.
\ 2. An election for members of the General Assembly shall be held on the Tuesday
next after the first Monday in November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun¬
dred and seventy, and every two years thereafter, in each county, at such places therein as
may be provided by law. When vacancies occur in either house, the governor, or person
exercising the powers of governor, shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies.
ELIGIBILITY AND OATH.
§ 3. No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained the age of twenty-five
years, or a representative who shall not have attained the age of twenty-one years. No
person shall be a senator or a representative who shall not be a citizen of the United States,
and who shall not have been for five years a resident of this State, and for two years next
preceding his election a resident within the territory forming the district from which he is
elected. No judge or clerk of any court, secretary of state, attorney general, state’s attorney,
recorder, sheriff, or collector of public revenue, member of either house of congress, or
person holding any lucrative office under the United States or this State, or any foreign
government, shall have a seat in the general assembly: Provided, that appointments in the
militia, and the offices of notary public and justice of the peace, shall not be considered
lucrative. Nor shall any person, holding any office of honor or profit under any foreign
government, or under the government of the United States, (except postmasters whose
annual compensation does not exceed the sum of $300,) hold any office of honor or profit
under the authority of this State.
\ 4. No person who has been, or hereafter shall be, convicted of bribery, perjury or
other infamous crime, nor any person who has been or may be a collector or holder of public
moneys, who shall not have accounted for and paid over, according to law, all such moneys
due from him, shall be eligible to the general assembly, or to any office of profit or trust in
this State.
\ 6. Members of the general assembly, before they enter upon their official duties, shall
take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation :
" I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution of the United States, and the consti¬
tution of the State of Illinois, and will faithfully discharge the duties of senator (or representative) according
to the best of my ability; and that I have not, knowingly or intentionally, paid or contributed anything, or
made any promise in the nature of a bribe, to directly or indirectly influence any vote at the election at which
I was chosen to fill the said office, and have not accepted, nor wifi I accept or receive, directly or indirectly,
any money or other valuable thing, from any corporation, company or person, for any vote or influence I may
give or withhold on any bill, resolution or appropriation, or for any other official act."
This oath shall be administered by a judge of the supreme or circuit court, in the hall of
the house to which the member is elected, and the secretary of state shall record and file
the oath subscribed by each member. Any member who shall refuse to take the oath herein
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY \ ILLINOIS.
133
prescribed, shall forfeit his office, and every member who shall be convicted of having
sworn falsely to, or of violating, his said oath, shall forfeit his office, and be disqualified
thereafter from holding any office of profit or trust in this State.
APPORTIONMENT — SENATORIAL.
? 6. The general assembly shall apportion the State every ten years, beginning with the
year 1871, by dividing the population of the State, as ascertained by the federal census, by
the number 51, and the quotient shall be the ratio of representation in the senate. The
State shall be divided into 51 senatorial districts, each of which shall elect one senator,
whose term of office shall be four years. The senators elected in the year of our Lord
1872, in districts bearing odd numbers, shall vacate their offices at the end of two years,
and those elected in districts bearing even numbers, at the end of four years ; and vacancies
occurring by the -expiration of term, shall be filled by the election of senators for the full
term. Senatorial districts shall be formed of contiguous and compact territory, bounded
by county lines, and contain as nearly as practicable an equal number of inhabitants ; but
no district shall contain less than four-fifths of the senatorial ratio. Counties containing
not less than the ratio and three-fourths, may be divided into separate districts, and shall be
entitled to two senators, and to one additional senator for each number of inhabitants equal
to the ratio, contained by such counties in excess of twice the number of said ratio.
Note. — Ey the adoption of minority representation, 3(5 7 and 8, of this article, cease to be a part of the
constitution. Under $ 12 of the schedule, and the vote of adoption, the following section relating to minority
representation is substituted for said sections :
MINORITY REPRESENTATION.
7 and 8. The house of representatives shall consist of three times the number of the
members of the senate, and the term of office shall be two years. Three representatives
shall be elected in each senatorial district at the general election in the year of our Lord,
1872, and every two years thereafter. In all elections of representatives aforesaid, each
qualified voter may cast as many votes for one candidate as there at*e representatives to be
elected, or may distribute the same, or equal parts thereof, among the candidates, as he shall
see fit ; and the candidates highest in votes shall be declared elected.
TIME OF MEETING AND GENERAL RULES.
$ 9. The sessions of the general assembly shall commence at 12 o’clock noon, on the
Wednesday next after the first Monday in January, in the year next ensuing the election of
members thereof, and at no other time, unless as provided by this constitution. A majority
of the members elected to each house shall constitute a quorum. Each house shall deter¬
mine the rules of its proceedings, and be the judge of the election returns and qualifica¬
tions of its members ; shall choose its own officers ; and the senate shall choose a temporary
president to preside when the lieutenant-governor shall not attend as president or shall act
as governor. The secretary of state shall call the house of representatives to order at the
opening of each new assembly, and preside over it until a temporary presiding officer thereof
shall have been chosen and shall have taken his seat. No member shall be expelled by
either house, except by a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to that house, and
no member shall be twice expelled for the same offence. Each house may punish by
imprisonment any person, not a member, who shall be guilty of disrespect to the house by
disorderly or contemptuous behaviour in its presence. But no such imprisonment shall
extend beyond two hours at one time, unless the person shall persist in such disorderly or
contemptuous behaviour.
§ 10. The doors of each house and of committees of the whole, shall be kept open,
except in such cases as. in the opinion of the house, require secrecy. Neither house shall,
without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than two days, or to any other place than
that in which the two houses shall be sitting. Each house shall keep a journal of its pro¬
ceedings, which shall be published. In the senate at the request of two members, and in
the house at the request of five members, the yeas and nays shall be taken on any question,
and entered upon the journal. Any two members of either house shall have liberty to dis¬
sent from and protest, in respectful language, against any act or resolution which they think
injurious to the public or to any individual, and have the reasons of their dissent entered
upon the journals.
STYLE OF LAWS AND PASSAGE OF BILLS.
? II. The style of the laws of this State shall be : Be it enacted by the People of the State
of Illinois , represented in the General Assembly.
\ 12. Bills may originate in either house, but may be altered, amended or rejected by the
other ; and on the final passage of all bills, the vote shall be by yeas and nays, upon each
bill separately, and shall be entered upon the journal ; and no bill shall become a law
without, the concurrence of a majority of the members elected to each house.
jj 13. Every bill shall be read at large on three different days, in each house; and the
bill and all amendments thereto shall be printed before the vote is taken on its final passage ;
and every bill, having passed both houses, shall be signed by the speakers thereof. No act
hereafter passed shall embrace more than one subject, and that shall be expressed in the title.
But if any subject shall be embraced in an act which shall not be expressed in the title, such
act shall be void only as to so much thereof as shall not be so expressed ; and no law shall
be revived or amended by reference to its title only, but the law revived, or the section
amended, shall be inserted at' length in the new act. And no act of the general assembly
shall take effect until the first day of July next after its passage, unless, in case of emergency,
(which emergency shall be expressed in the preamble or body of the act), the general
assembly shall, by a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, otherwise
direct.
PRIVILEGES AND DISABILITIES.
§ 14. Senators and representatives shall, in all cases, except treason, felony or breach of
the peace, be privileged from arrest during the session of the general assembly, and in going
to and returning from the same ; and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall
not be questioned in any'other place.
I 15. No person elected to the general assembly shall receive any civil appointment
within this State from the governor, the governor and senate, or from the general assembly,
during the term for which he shall have been elected; and all such appointments, and all
votes given for any such members for any such office or appointment, shall be void ; nor
shall any member of the general assembly be interested, either directly or indirectly, in any
contract with the state, or any county thereof, authorized by any law passed during the term
for which he shall have been elected, or within one year after the expiration thereof.
PUBLIC MONEYS AND APPROPRIATIONS.
§ 16. The general assembly shall make no appropriation of money out of the treasury in
any private law. Bills making appropriations for the pay of members and officers of the
general assembly, and for the salaries of the officers of the government, shall contain no
provisions on any other subject.
§ 17. No money shall be drawn from the treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation
made by law, and on the presentation of a warrant issued by the auditor thereon ; and no
money shall be diverted from any appropriation made for any purpose, or taken from any
fund whatever, either by joint or separate resolution. The auditor shall, within 60 days
after the adjournment of each session of the general assembly, prepare and publish a full
statement of all money expended at such session, specifying the amount of each item, and
to whom and for what paid.
18. Each general assembly shall provide for all the appropriations necessary for the
ordinary and contingent expenses of the government until the expiration of the first fiscal
quarter after the adjournment of the next regular session, the aggregate amount of which
shall not be increased without a vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house,
nor exceed the amount of revenue authorized by law to be raised in such time; and all
appropriations, general or special, requiring money to be paid out of the State Treasury,
from funds belonging to the State, shall end with such fiscal quarter : Provided, the State
may, to meet casual deficits or failures in revenue, contract debts, never to exceed in
the aggregate $250,000 ; and moneys thus borrowed shall be applied to the purpose for
which they were obtained, or to pay the debt thus created, and to no other purpose ; and
no other debt, except for the purpose of repelling invasion, suppressing insurrection, or
defending the State in war, (for payment of which the faith of the State shall be pledged),
shall be contracted, unless the law authorizing the same shall, at a general election, have
been submitted to the people, and have received a majority of the votes cast for members
of the general assembly at such election. The general assembly shall provide for the
publication of said law for three months, at least, before the vote of the people shall be
taken upon the same ; and provision shall be made, at the time, for the payment of the
interest annually, as it shall accrue, by a tax levied for the purpose, or from other sources
of revenue; which law, providing for the payment of such interest by such tax, shall be
irrepealable until such debt be paid: And provided, further, that the law levying the tax
shall be submitted to the people with the law authorizing the debt to be contracted.
jl 19. The general assembly shall never grant or authorize extra compensation, fee or
allowance to any public officer, agent, servant or contractor, after service has been rendered
or a contract made, nor authorize the payment of any claim, or part thereof, hereafter
created against the State under any agreement or contract made without express authority of
law ; and all such unauthorized agreements or contracts shall be null and void: Provided,
the general assembly may make appropriations for expenditures incurred in suppressing
insurrection or repelling invasion.
$ 20. The State shall never pay, assume or become responsible for the debts or liabilities
of, or in any manner give, loan or extend its credit to, or in aid of any public or other
corporation, association or individual.
PAY OF MEMBERS.
$ 21. The members of the general assembly shall receive for their services the sum of $5
per day, during the first session held under this constitution, and 10 cents for each mile
necessarily traveled in going to and returning from the seat of government, to be computed
by the auditor of public accounts ; and thereafter such compensation as shall be prescribed
by law, and no other allowance or emolument, directly or indirectly, for any purpose
whatever; except the sum of $50 per session to each member, which shall be in full for
postage, stationery, newspapers, and all other incidental expenses and perquisites; but no
change shall be made in the compensation of members of the general assembly during the
term for which they may have been elected. The pay and mileage allowed to each member
of the general assembly shall be certified by the speaker of their respective houses, and
entered on the journals and published at the close of each session.
SPECIAL LEGISLATION PROHIBITED.
$ 22. The general assembly shall not pass local or special laws in any of the following
enumerated cases, that is to say : for —
Granting divorces ;
Changing the names of persons or places ;
Laying out, opening, altering, and working roads or highways ;
Vacating roads, town plats, streets, alleys and public grounds ;
Locating or changing county seats ;
Regulating county and township affairs ;
Regulating the practice in courts of justice ;
Regulating the jurisdiction and duties of justices of the peace, police magistrates, and
constables ;
Providing for changes of venue in civil and criminal cases ;
Incorporating cities, towns, or villages, or changing or amending the charter of any town,
city or village ;
Providing for the election of members of the board of supervisors in townships,
incorporated towns or cities ;
Summoning and impaneling grand or petit juries;
Providing for the management of common schools ;
Regulating the rate of interest on money ;
The opening and conducting of any election, or designating the place of voting;
The sale or mortgage of real estate belonging to minors or others under disability ;
The protection of game or fish ;
Chartering or licensing ferries or toll bridges;
Remitting fines, penalties or forfeitures ;
Creating, increasing, or decreasing fees, percentage or allowances of public officers, during
the term for which said officers are elected or appointed ;
Changing the law of descent ;
Granting to any corporation, association or individual the right to lay down railroad
tracks, or amending existing charters for such purpose ;
Granting to any corporation, association or individual any special or exclusive privilege,
immunity or franchise whatever.
In all other cases where a general law can be made applicable, no special law shall be
enacted.
§ 23. The general assembly shall have no power to release or extinguish, in whole or in
part, the indebtedness, liability, or obligation of any corporation or individual to this State
or to any municipal corporation therein.
IMPEACHMENT.
\ 24. The house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment ; but a
majority of all the members elected must concur therein. All impeachments shall be tried
by the senate ; and when sitting for that purpose, the senators shall be upon oath, or affirma¬
tion, to do justice according to law and evidence. When the governor of the State is tried,
the chief justice shall preside. No person shall be convicted without the .concurrence of
two-thirds of the senators elected. But judgment, in such cases, shall not extend further
than removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honor, profit or trust
uuder the government of this State. The party, whether convicted or acquitted, shall,
nevertheless, be liable to prosecution, trial, judgment and punishment according to law.
MISCELLANEOUS.
§ 25. The general assembly shall provide, by law, that the fuel, stationery and printing-
paper furnished for the use of the State ; the copying, printing, binding and distributing the
laws and journals, and all other printing ordered by the general assembly, shall be let by
contract to the lowest responsible bidder ; but the general assembly shall fix a maximum
134
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
price ; and no member thereof, or other officer of the State, shall be interested, directly or
indirectly, in such contract. But all such contracts shall be subject to the approval of the
governor, and if he disapproves the same there shall be a re-letting of the contract, in such
manner as shall be prescribed by law.
| 26. The State of Illinois shall never be made defendant in any court or law of equity.
\ 27. The general assembly shall have no power to authorize lotteries or gift enterprises,
for any purpose, and shall pass laws to prohibit the sale of lottery or gift enterprise tickets
in this State.
g 28. No law shall be passed which shall operate to extend the term of any public
officer after his election or appointment.
I 29. It shall be the duty of the general assembly to pass such laws as may be necessary
for the protection of operative miners, by providing for ventilation, when the same may be
required, and the construction of escapement-shafts, or such other appliances as may secure
safety in all coal mines, and to provide for the enforcement of said laws by such penalties
and punishments as may be deemed proper.
\ 30. The general assembly may provide for establishing and opening roads and cart¬
ways, connected with a public road, for private and public use.
\ 31. The general assembly may pass laws permitting the owners and occupants of lands
to construct drains and ditches, for agricultural and sanitary purposes, across the lands of
others.
§ 32. The general assembly shall pass liberal and homestead and exemption laws.
I 33. The general assembly shall not appropriate out of the State treasury, or expend on
account of the new capitol grounds, and construction, completion and furnishing of the
State house, a sum exceeding, in the aggregrate, $3,500,000, inclusive of all appropriations
heretofore made, without first submitting the proposition for an additional expenditure to
the legal voters of the State, at a general election ; nor unless a majority of all the votes
at such election shall be for the proposed additional expenditure.
ARTICLE V.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
3 x. Officers of this Department.
|| 2. Of the State Treasurer.
3 3. Time of Electing State Officers.
3 4. Returns — Tie — Contested Election.
5. Eligibility for Office.
6. Governor — Power and Duty.
7. His Message and Statement.
8. Convening the General Assembly.
9. Proroguing the General Assembly.
3 xo. Nominations by the Governor.
| ix. Vacancies may be filled.
3 t2. kemovals by the Governor.
\ 13. Reprieves — Commuta ions — Pardons.
114. Governor as Commander-in-Chief.
15. Impeachment for Misdemeanor.
j6. Veto of the Governor.
17. Lieutenant-Governor ns Governor.
18. As President of the Senate.
19. Vacancy in Governor's Office.
20. Vacancy in other State Offices.
21. Reports of State Officers.
22. Great Seal of State
23. Fees and Salaries.
24. Definition of “ Office."
25. Oath of Civil Officers.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
$ 1. The executive department shall consist of a Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Sec¬
retary of State, Auditor of Public Accounts, Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruc¬
tion, and Attorney-General, who shall, each, with the exception of the Treasurer, hold his
office for the term of four years from the second Monday of January next after his election,
and until his successor is elected and qualified. They shall, except the Lieutenant Gov¬
ernor, reside at the seat of government during their term of office, and keep the public
records, books and papers there, and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by law.
\ 2. The Treasurer shall hold his office for the term of two years, and until his suc¬
cessor is elected and qualified ; and shall be ineligible to said office for two years next after
the end of the term for which he was elected. He may be required by the Governor to
give reasonable additional security, and in default of so doing his office shall be deemed
vacant.
ELECTION.
whose offices are established by this constitution, or which may be created by law, and whose
appointment or election is not otherwise provided for; and no such officer shall be appointed
or elected by the general assembly.
§ 11. In case of a vacancy, during the recess of the senate, in any office which is not
elective, the governor shall make a temporary appointment until the next meeting of the
senate, when he shall nominate some person to fill such office; and any person so nominated,
who is confirmed by the senate (a majority of all the senators elected concurring by yeas and
nays), shall hold his office during the remainder of the time, and until his successor shall
be appointed and qualified. No person, after being rejected by the senate, shall be again
nominated for the same office at the same session, unless at the request of the senate, or be
appointed to the same office duiing the recess of the general assembly.
jj 12. The governor shall have power to remove any officer whom he may appoint, in
case of incompetency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office ; and he may declare his
office vacant, and fill the same as is herein provided in other cases of vacancy.
\ 13. The governor shall have power to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons, after
conviction, for all offences, subject to such regulations as may be provided by law relative to
the manner of applying therefor.
§ 14. The governor shall be commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces of the
State (except when they shall be called into the service of the United States) ; and may call
out the same to execute the laws, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion.
jj 15. The governor, and all civil officers of this State, shall be liable to impeachment
for any misdemeanor in office.
VETO.
g 16. Every bill passed by the general assembly shall, before it becomes a law, be pre¬
sented to the governor. If he approve, he shall sign it, and thereupon it shall become a law ;
but if he do not approve, he shall return it, with his objections, to the house in which it
shall have originated, which house shall enter the objections at large upon its journal, and
proceed to reconsider the bill. If, then, two-thirds of the members elected agree to pass
the same, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall
likewise be reconsidered ; and if approved by two-thirds of the members elected to that
house, it shall become a law, notwithstanding the objections of the governor. But in all
such cases, the vote of each house shall be determined by yeas and nays, to be entered on
the journal. Any bill which shall not be returned by the governor within ten days (Sundays
excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, shall become a law in like manner as if
he had signed it, unless the general assembly shall, by their adjournment, prevent its return;
in which case it shall be filed, with his objections, in the office of the secretary of state,
within ten days after such adjournment, or become a law.
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.
17. In case of death, conviction on impeachment, failure to qualify, resignation,
absence from the State, or other disability of the governor, the powers, duties, the emolu¬
ments of the office for the residue of the term, or until the disability shall be removed, shall
devolve upon the lieutenant-governor.
(1 18. The lieutenant-governor shall be president of the senate, and shall vote only when
the senate is equally divided. The senate shall choose a president, pro tempore , to preside
in case of the absence or impeachment of the lieutenant-governor, or when he shall hold the
office of governor.
§ 19. If there be no lieutenant-governor, or if the lieutenant-governor shall, for any of
the causes specified in g 17 of this article, become incapable of performing the duties of
the office, the president of the senate shall act as governor until the vacancy is filled or the
disability removed ; and if the president of the senate, for any of the above named causes,
shall become incapable of performing the duties of governor, the same shall devolve upon
the speaker of the house of representatives.
OTHER STATE OFFICERS.
\ 3. An election for Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor of
Public Accounts and Attorney-General, shall be held on the Tuesday next after the first
Monday in November, in the year of our Lord 1872, and every four years thereafter; for
Superintendent of Public instruction, on the Tuesday next after the first Monday of Novem¬
ber, in the year 1870, and every four years thereafter; and for Treasurer on the day last
above mentioned, and every two years thereafter, at such places and in such manner as may
be prescribed by law.
\ 4. The returns of every election for the above named officers shall be sealed up and
transmitted, by the returning officers, to the Secretary of State, directed to “The Speaker
of the House of Representatives,” who shall, immediately after the organization of the
house, and before proceeding to other business, open and publish the same in the presence
of a majority of each house of the general assembly, who shall, for that purpose, assemble
in the hall of the house of representatives. The person having the highest number of votes
for either of the said offices shall be declared duly elected; but if two or more have an
equal and the highest number of votes, the general assembly shall, by joint ballot, choose
one of such persons for said office. Contested elections for all of said offices shall be de¬
termined by both houses of the general assembly, by joint ballot, in such manner as may
be prescribed by law.
ELIGIBILITY.
jj 5. No person shall be eligible to the office of governor, or lieutenant-governor, who
shall not have attained the age of 30 years, and been, for five years next preceding his
election, a citizen of the United States and of this State. Neither the governor, lieutenant-
governor, auditor of public accounts, secretary of State, superintendent of public instruction
nor attorney general shall be eligible to any other office during the period for which he
shall have been elected.
GOVERNOR.
§ 6. The supreme executive power shall be vested in the governor, who shall take care
that the laws be faithfully executed.
$ 7. The governor shall, at the commencement of each session, and at the close of his
term of office, give to the general assembly information, by message, of the condition of the
State, and shall recommend such measures as he shall deem expedient. He shall account
to the general assembly, and accompany his message with a statement of all moneys re¬
ceived and paid out by him from any funds subject to his order, with vouchers, and, at the
commencement of each regular session, present estimates of the amount of money required
to be raised by taxation for all purposes.
$ 8. The governor may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the general assembly, by
proclamation, stating therein the purpose for which they are convened ; and the general
assembly shall enter upon no business except that for which they were called together.
§ 9. In case of a disagreement between the two houses with respect to the time of adjourn¬
ment, the governor may, on the same being certified to him, by the house first moving the
adjournment, adjourn the general assembly to such time as he thinks proper, not beyond the
first day of the next regular session.
J 10. The governor shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the senate,
(a majority of all the senators selected concurring, by yeas and nays,) appoint all officers
g 20. If the office of auditor of public accounts, treasurer, secretary of State, attorney
general, or superintendent of public instruction shall be vacated by death, resignation or
otherwise, it shall be the duty of the governor to fill the same by appointment, and the
appointee shall hold his office until his successor shall be elected and qualified in such
manner as may be provided by law. An account shall be kept by the officers of the execu¬
tive department, and of all the public institutions of the State, of all moneys received or
disbursed by them, severally, from all sources, and for every service performed, and a semi¬
annual report thereof be made to the governor, under oath ; and any officer who makes a
false report shall be guilty of perjury, and punished accordingly.
g 21. The officers of the executive department, and of all the public institutions of the
State, shall, at least ten days preceding each regular session of the general assembly, severally
report to the governor, who shall transmit such reports to the general assembly, together
with the reports of the judges of the supreme court of the defects in the constitution and
laws; and the governor may at any time require information, in writing, under oath, from
the officers of the executive department, and all officers and managers of state institutions,
upon any subject relating to the condition, management and expenses of their respective
offices.
THE SEAL OF STATE.
g 22. There shall be a seal of the State, which shall be called the ‘‘ Great seal ot the Stale
of Illinois,” which shall be kept by the secretary of State, and used by him, officially, as
directed by law.
FEES AND SALARIES.
g 23. The officers named in this article shall receive for their services a salary, to be estab¬
lished by law, which shall not be increased or diminished during their official terms, and
they shall not, after the expiration of the terms of those in office at the adoption of this con¬
stitution, receive to their own use any fees, costs, perquisites of office, or other compensa¬
tion. And all fees that may hereafter be payable by law for any service performed by any
officer provided for in this article of the constitution, shall be paid in advance into the State
treasury.
DEFINITION AND OATH OF OFFICE.
g 24. An office is a public position created by the constitution or law, continuing during
the pleasure of the appointing power, or for a fixed time, with a successor elected or
appointed. An employment is an agency, for a temporary purpose, which ceases 'when that
purpose is accomplished.
g 25. All civil officers, except members of the general assembly and such inferior officers
as may be by law exempted, shall, before they enter on the duties of their respective offices,
take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation :
I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the constitution of the United States
and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of
' ■ according to the best of my ability.
And no other oath, declaration or test shall be required as a qualification.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY . ILLINOIS.
135
ARTICLE VI.
CIRCUIT COURTS.
JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT.
Ix. Judicial Powers of Courts.
2. Seven Supreme Judges — Four Decide.
3. Qualifications of a Supreme Judge.
4. Terms of the Supreme Court.
5. Three Grand Divisions — Seven Districts.
6. Election of Supreme Judges.
7. Salaries of the Supreme Judges.
8. Appeals and Writs of Error.
9. Appointment of Reporter.
10. Clerks of the Supreme Court,
xi. Appellate Courts Authorized.
\ 12. Jurisdiction/^ Circuit Courts.
4 13. Formation of Judicial Circuits.
\ 14. Time of holding Circuit Courts.
\ 15. Circuits containing Four Judges.
i 16. Salaries of the Circuit Judges.
\ 17. Qualification of Judges or Commissioners.
\ x8. County Judges— County Clerks.
\ 19. Appeals from County Courts,
g 20. Probate Courts Authorized.
\ 2x- Justices of the Peace and Constables.
\ 22. State's Attorney in each County,
jj 23. Cook County Courts of Record.
\ 24. Chief Justice — Power of Judges.
\ 25. Salaries of the Judges.
6 26. Criminal Court of Cook County.
27. Clerks of Cook County Court.
\ 28. Justices in Chicago.
0 29. Uniformity in the Courts.
\ 30. Removal of any Judge.
\ 31. Judges to make Written Reports.
\ 32. Terms of Office — Filling Vacancies.
\ 3j. Process — Prosecutions — Population.
?. 1. The judicial powers, except as in this article is otherwise provided, shall be vested in
one supreme court, circuit courts, county courts, justices of the peace, police magistrates,
and in such courts as may be created by law in and for cities and incorporated towns.
SUPREME COURT.
$ 2. The supreme court shall consist of seven judges, and shall have original jurisdic¬
tion in cases relating to the revenue, in mandamus , and habeas corpus , and appellate juris¬
diction in all other cases. One of said judges shall be chief justice; four shall constitute a
quorum, and the concurrence of four shall be necessary to every decision.
$ 3- No person shall be eligible to the office of judge of the supreme court unless he
shall be at least 30 years of age, and a citizen of the United States, nor unless he shall have
resided in the State five years next preceding his election, and be a resident of the district
in which he shall be elected.
? 4. Terms of the supreme court shall continue to be held in the present grand divisions
at the several places now provided for holding the same ; and until otherwise provided by
law, one or more terms of said court shall be held, for the northern division, in the city of
Chicago, each year, at such times as said court may appoint, whenever said city or the county
of Cook shall provide appropriate rooms therefor, and the use of a suitable library, without
expense to the State. The judicial divisions may be altered, increased or diminished in
number, and the times and places of holding’ said court may be changed by law.
$ 5. The present grand divisions shall be preserved, and be denominated Southern, Cen¬
tral and Northern, until otherwise provided by law. The State shall be divided into seven
districts for the election of judges, and until otherwise provided by law, they shall be as
follows :
First District. — The counties of St. Clair, Clinton, Washington, Jefferson, Wayne,
Edwards, Wabash, White, Hamilton, Franklin, Perry, Randolph, Monroe, Jackson, William¬
son, Saline, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Union, Johnson, Alexander, Pulaski and Massac.
Second District. — The counties of Madison, Bond, Marion, Clay, Richland, Lawrence,
Crawford, Jasper, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Macoupin, Shelby, Cumberland, Clark,
Greene, Jersey, Calhoun and Christian.
Third District. — The counties of Sangamon, Macon, Logan, De Witte, Piatt, Douglas,
Champaign, Vermilion, McLean, Livingston, Ford, Iroquois, Cole's, Edgar, Moultrie, and
Tazewell.
Fourth District. — The counties of Fulton, McDonough, Hancock, Schuyler, Brown,
Adams, Pike, Mason, Menard, Morgan, Cass and Scott.
Fifth District. — The counties of Knox, Warren, Henderson, Mercer, Henry, Stark,
Peoria, Marshall, Putnam, Bureau, Lasalle, Grundy and Woodford.
Sixth District. — The counties of Whiteside, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago,
Boone, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, De Kalb, Lee, Ogle and Rock Island.
Seventh District. — The counties of Lake, Cook, Will, Kankakee and Du Page.
The boundaries of the districts may be changed at the session of the general assembly
next preceding the election for judges herein, and at no other time ; but whenever such
alterations shall be made, the same shall be upon the rule of equality of population, as nearly
as county boundaries will allow, and the districts will be composed of contiguous counties,
in as nearly compact form as circumstances will permit. The alteration of the districts
shall not affect the tenure of office of any judge.
§ 6. At the time of voting on the adoption of this constitution, one judge of the supreme
court shall be elected by the electors thereof, in each of said districts numbered two, three,
six, and seven, who shall hold his office for the term of nine years from the first Monday of
June, in the year of our Lord 1870. The term of office of judges of the supreme court,
elected after the adoption of this constitution, shall be nine years ; and on the first Monday
of June of the year in which the term of any of the judges in office at the adoption of this
constitution, or of the judges then elected, snail expire, and every nine years thereafter,
there shall be an election for the successor or successors of such judges, in the respective
districts wherein the term of such judges shall expire. The chief justice shall continue to
act as such until the expiration of the term for which he was elected, after which the judges
shall choose one of their number chief justice.
§ 7. From and after the adoption of this constitution, the judges of the supreme court
shall each receive a salary of 84,000 per annum, payable quarterly, until otherwise provided
by law. And after said salaries shall be fixed by law, the salaries of the judges in office
shall not be increased or diminished during the terms for which said judges have been
elected.
§ 8. Appeals and writs of error may be taken to the supreme court, held in the grand
division in which the case is decided, or, by consent of the parties, to any other grand
division.
\ 9. The supreme court shall appoint one reporter of its decisions, who shall hold his
office for six years, subject to removal by the court.
§ 10. At the time of the-election for representatives in the general assembly, happening
next preceding the expiration of the terms of office of the present clerks of said cou t, one
clerk of said court for each division shall be elected, whose term of office shall be six years
from said election, but who shall not enter upon the duties of his office until the expiration
of the term of his predecessor, and every six years thereafter, one clerk of said court for
each division shall be elected.
APPELLATE COURTS.
§ 11. After the year of our Lord 1874, inferior appellate coutts, of uniform organization
and jurisdiction, may be created in districts formed for that purpose, to which such appeals
and writs of error as the general assembly may provide, may be prosecuted from circuit and
other courts, and from which appeals and writs of error shall lie to the supreme court, in
all criminal cases, and cases in which a franchise, or freehold, or the validity of a statute is
involved and in such other cases as may be provided by law. Such appellate courts shall
be held by such number of judges of the circuit courts, and at such times and places, and
in such manner, as may be provided by law ; but no judge shall sit in review upon cases
decided by him; nor shall said judges receive any additional compensation for such services.
§ 12. The circuit courts shall have original jurisdiction of all causes in law and equity,
and such appellate jurisdiction as is or may be provided by law, and shall hold two or more
terms each year in every county. The terms of office of judges of circuit courts shall be
six years.
§ 13.. The State, exclusive of the county of Cook and other counties having a popula¬
tion of 100,000, shall be divided into judicial circuits, prior to the expiration of the terms
of office of the present judges of the circuit courts. Such circuits shall be formed of con¬
tiguous counties, in as nearly compact form and as nearly equal as circumstances will permit,
having due regard to business, territory and population, and shall not exceed in number one
circuit for every 100,000 of population in the State. One judge shall be elected for each of
said circuits by the electors thereof. New circuits may be formed and the boundaries of
circuits changed by the general assembly, at its session next preceding the election for circuit
judges, but at no other time : Provided, that the circuits may be equalized or changed at the
first session of the general assembly, after the adoption of this constitution. The creation,
alteration or change of any circuit shall not affect the tenure of office of any judge. When¬
ever the business of the circuit court of any one, or of two or more contiguous counties,
containing a population exceeding 50,000, shall occupy nine months of the year, the general
assembly may make of such county, or counties, a separate circuit. Whenever additional
circuits are created, the foregoing limitations shall be observed.
() 14. The general assembly shall provide for the times of holding courts in each county;
which shall not be changed, except by the general assemblv next preceding the general
election for judges of said courts; but additional terms may be provided for in any county.
The election for judges of the circuit courts shall be held on the first Monday of June, in the
year of our Lord 1873, and every six years thereafter.
(1 15. The general assembly may divide the State into judicial circuits of greater popu¬
lation and territory, in lieu of the circuits provided for in section 13 of this article, and
provide for the election therein, severally, by the electors thereof, by general ticket, of not
exceeding four judges, who shall hold the circuit courts in the circuit for which they shall
be elected, in such manner as may be provided by law.
§ 16 From and after the adoption of this constitution, judges of the circuit courts shall
receive a salary of 83,000 per annum, payable quarterly, until otherwise provided by law.
And after their salaries shall be fixed by law, they shall not be increased or diminished
during the terms for which said judges shall be, respectively, elected; and from aud after
the adoption of this constitution, no judge of the supreme or circuit court shall receive any
other compensation, perquisite or benefit, in any form whatsoever, nor perform any other
than judicial duties to which may belong any emoluments.
§ 17. No person shall be eligible to the office of judge of the circuit or any inferior
court, or to membership in the “ board of county commissioners,” unless he shall be at least
25 years of age, and a citizen of the United States, nor unless he shall have resided in this
State five years next preceding his election, and be a resident of the circuit, county, city,
cities, or incorporated town in which he shall be elected.
COUNTY COURTS.
§ 18. There shall be elected in and for each county, one county judge and one clerk of
the county court, whose terms of office shall be four years. But the general assembly may
create districts of two or more contiguous counties, in each of which shall be elected one
judge, who shall take the place of, and exercise the powers and jurisdiction of county judges
in such districts. County courts shall be courts of record, and shall have original jurisdic¬
tion in all matters of probate ; settlement of estates of deceased persons ; appointment of
guardians and conservators, and settlements of their accounts ; in all matters relating to
apprentices ; and in proceedings for the collection of taxes and assessments, and such other
jurisdiction as may be provided for by general law.
$ 19. Appeals and writs of error shall be allowed from final determinations of county
courts, as may be provided by law.
PROBATE COURTS.
$ 20. The general assembly may provide for the establishment of a probate court in each
county having a population of over 50,000, and for the election of a judge thereof, whose
term of office shall be the same as that of the county judge, and who shall be elected at the
same time and in the same manner. Said courts, when established, shall have original
jurisdiction of all probate matters, the settlement of estates of deceased persons, the appoint¬
ment of guardians and conservators, and settlement of their accounts ; in ali matters relating
to apprentices, and in cases of the sales of real estate of deceased persons for the payment
of debts.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AND CONSTABLES.
§ 21. Justices of the peace, police magistrates, and constables shall be elected in and fer
such districts as are, or may be, provided by law, and the jurisdiction of such justices of the
peace and police magistrates shall be uniform.
state’s attorneys.
$ 22. At the election for members of the genera! assembly in the year of our Lord 1872.
and every four years thereafter, there shali be elected a State’s attorney in and for each
county, in lieu of the State’s attorneys now provided by law, whose term of office shall be
four years.
COURTS OF COOK COUNTY.
jl 23. The county of Cook shall be one judicial circuit. The. circuit court of Cook
county shall consist of five judges, until their number shall be increased, as herein provided.
The present judge of the recorder’s court of the city of Chicago, and the present judge of
the circuit court of Cook county, shall be two of said judges, and shall remain in office for
the terms for which they were respectively elected, and until their successors shall be elected
and qualified. The superior court of Chicago shall be continued, and called the superior
court of Cook county. The general assembly may increase the number of said judges by
adding one to either of said courts for every additional 50,000 inhabitans in said county,
over and above a population of 400,000. The terms of office of the judges of said courts
hereafter elected, shall be six years.
§ 24. The judge having the shortest unexpired term shall be chief justice of the court
of which he is judge. In case there are two or more whose terms expire at the same time,
it may be determined by lot which shall be chief justice. Any judge of either of said
courts shall have all the powers of a circuit judge, and may hold the court of which he is a
member. Each of them may hold a different branch thereof at the same time.
§ 25. The judges of the superior and circuit courts, and the State’s attorney, in said
county, shall receive the same salaries, payable out of the State treasury, as is or may be
paid from said treasury to the circuit judges and State's attorneys of the State, and such
further compensation, to be paid by the county of Cook, as is or may be provided by law ;
such compensation shall not be changed during their continuance in office.
(j 26. The recordei’s court of the city of Chicago shall be continued, and shall be called
the ‘‘criminal court of Cook county.” It shall have the jurisdiction of a circuit court, in
all cases of criminal and quasi criminal nature, arising in the county of Cook, or that may
136
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
be bftmght before said court pursuant to law ; and all recognizances and appeals taken in
said county, in criminal and quasi criminal cases shall be returnable and taken to said court.
It shall have no jurisdiction in civil cases, except in those on behalf of the people, and
incident to such criminal or quasi criminal matters, and to dispose of unfinished business.
The terms of said criminal court of Cook county shall be held by one or more of the judges
of the circuit or superior court of Cook county, as nearly as may be in alternation, as may
be determined by said judges, or provided by law. Said judges shall be ex-offioio judges of
said court.
\ 27. The present clerk of the recorder's court of the city of Chicago, shall be the clerk
of the criminal court of Cook county, during the term for which he was elected. The
present clerks of the superior court of Chicago, and the present clerk of the circuit court of
Cook county, shall continue in office during the terms for which they were respectively
elected; and thereafter there shall be but one clerk of the superior court, to be elected by
the qualified electors of said county, who shall hold his office for the term of four years, and
until his Successor is elected and qualified.
£ 28. All justices of the peace in the city of Chicago shall be appointed by the governor,
by and with the advice and consent of the senate, (but only upon the recommendation of a
majority of the judges of the circuit, superior and county courts,) and for such districts as
are now or shall hereafter be provided by law. They shall hold their offices for four years,
and until their successors have been commissioned and qualified, but they may be removed
by summary proceedings in the circuit or superior court, for extortion or other malfeasance.
Existing justices of the peace and police magistrates may hold their offices until the
expiration of their respective terms.
GENERAL PROVISIONS.
\ 29. All judicial officers shall be commissioned by the' governor. All laws relating to
courts shall be general, and of uniform operation ; and the organization, jurisdiction, powers,
proceedings and practice of all courts, of the same class or grade, so far as regulated by law,
and the force and effect of the process, judgments and decrees of such courts, severally,
shall be uniform.
£ 30. The general assembly may, for cause entered on the journals, upon due notice and
opportunity of defense, remove from office any judge, upon concurrence of three-fourths of
all the members elected, of each house. All other officers in this article mentioned, shall
be removed from office on prosecution and final conviction, for misdemeanor in office.
£ 31. All judges of courts of record, inferior to the supreme court, shall, on or before
the first day of June, of each year, report in writing to the judges of the supreme court,
such defects and omissions in the laws as their experience may suggest ; and the judges of
the supreme court shall, on or before the first dav of January of each year, report in writing
to the governor such defects and omissions in the constitution and laws as they may find to
exist, together with appropriate forms of bills to cure such defects and omissions in the
laws. And the judges of the several circuit courts shall report to the next general assembly
the number of days they have held court in the several counties composing their respective
circuits, the preceding two years.
£ 32. All officers provided for in this article shall hold their offices until their successors
shall be qualified, and they shall, respectively, reside in the division, circuit, county or dis¬
trict for which they may be elected or appointed. The terms of office of all such officers,
where not otherwise prescribed in this article, shall be four years. All officers, where not
otherwise provided for in this article, shall perform such duties and receive such compensa¬
tion as is or may be provided by law. Vacancies in such elective offices shall be filled by
election; but where the unexpired term does not exceed one year, the vacancy shall be filled
by appointment, as follows: Of judges, by the governor; of clerks of courts, by the court
to which the office appertains, or by the judge or judges thereof ; and of all such other
officers, by the board of supervisors or board of county commissioners in the county where
the vacancy occurs.
£ 33. All process shall run : In the name of the People of the State of Illinois : and all
prosecutions shall be carried on : In the name and by the authority of the People of the State
of Illinois; and conclude: Against the peace and dignity of the same. “Population,”
wherever used in this article, shall be determined by the next preceding census of this State,
or of the United States.
ARTICLE VII.
3 1. Who are Entitled to Vote.
3 2. A1A Voting to be by Ballot.
3 3. Privileges of Electors.
3 4. Absence on Public Business.
SUFFRAGE.
3 5. Soldier not Deemed a Resident.
| 6. Qualifications for Office.
3 7. Persons Convicted of Crime.
£ I. Every person having resided in this State one year, in the county 90 days, and in
the election district 30 days next preceding any election therein, who was an elector in this
State on-the first day of April, in the year of our Lord 1848, or obtained a certificate of
naturalization before any court of record in this State prior to the first day of January, in
the year of our Lord 1870, or who shall be a male citizen of the United States, above the
age of 21 years, shall be entitled to vote at such election.
£ 2. All votes shall be by ballot.
| 3. Electors shall, in all cases except treason, felony, or breach of the peace, be privi¬
leged from arrest during their attendance at elections, and in going to and returning from
the same. And no elector shall be obliged to do military duty on the days of election,
except in time of war or public danger. .
£ 4. No elector shall be deemed to have lost his residence in this State by reason of his
absence on business of the United Stales, or of this State, or in the military or naval service
of the United States.
£ 5. No soldier, seaman or marine in the army or navy of the United States shall be
deemed a resident of this State in consequence of being stationed therein.
£ 6. No person shall be elected or appointed to any office in this State, civil or military,
who is not a citizen of the L'nited Stales, and who shall not have resided in this State one
year next preceding the election or appointment.
£ 7. The general assembly shall pass laws excluding from the right of suffrage persons
convicted of infamous crimes.
controlled by any church or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or dona¬
tion of land, money, or other personal property ever be made by the State or any such
public corporation, to any church, or for any sectarian purpose.
£ 4. No teacher. State, county, township, or district school officer shall be inte’rested in
the sale, proceeds or profits of any book, apparatus or furniture, used or to be used, in any
school in this State, with which such officer or teacher may be connected, under such
penalties as may be provided by the general assembly.
£ 5. There may be a county superintendent of schools in each county, whose qualifica¬
tions, powers, duties, compensation and time and manner of election, and term of of office,
shall be prescribed by law.
ARTICLE IX.
REVENUE.
3 1. Principles of Taxation Stated
£ 2. Other and further Taxation.
3 3. Property Exempt from Taxation.
3 4. Sale of Real Property for Taxes.
3 5. Right of Redemption therefrom.
\ 6. Release from Taxation Forbidden.
3 7. Taxes paid into State Treasury.
3 T. Limitation on County Taxes.
3 9- Local Municipal Improvements.
10. Taxation of Municipal Corporations.
it. Defaulter not to be Eligible.
t2. Limitation on Municipal Indebtedness.
£ I. The general assembly shall provide such revenue as may be needful by levying a tax,
by valuation, so that every person and corporation shall pay a tax in proportion to the value
of his, her or its property — such value to he ascertained by some person or persons, to be
elected or appointed in such manner as the general assembly shall direct, and not otherwise ;
but the general assembly shall have power to tax peddlers, auctioneers, brokers, hawkers,
merchants, commission merchants, showmen, jugglers, inn-keepers, grocery keepers, liquor
dealers, toll bridges, ferries, insurance, telegraph and express interests or business, venders
of patents, and persons or corporations owning or using franchises and privileges, in such
manner as it shall from time to time direct by general law, uniform as to the class upon
which it operates.
£ 2. The specification of the objects and subjects of taxation shall not deprive the general
assembly of the power to require other subjects or objects to be taxed in such a manner as
may he consistent wi‘h the principles of taxation fixed in this constitution.
£ 3. The properties of the State, counties and other municipal corporations, both real
and personal, and such other property as may be used exclusively for agricultural and horti¬
cultural societies, for school, religious, cemetery and charitable purposes, may be exempted
from taxation ; but such exemption shall be only by general law. In the assessment of real
estate encumbered by public easement, any depreciation occasioned by such easement may
be deducted in the valuation of such property.
£ 4. The general assembly shall provide, in all cases where it may be necessary to sell
real estate for the non-payment of taxes or special assessments for State, county, municipal
or other purposes, that a return of such unpaid taxes or assessments shall be to some general
officer of the county having authority to receive State and county taxes ; and there shall be
no sale of said property for any of said taxes or assessments but by said officer, upon the
order or judgment of some court of record.
£ 5. The right of redemption from all sales of real estate for the non-payment of taxes
or special assessments of any character whatever, shall exist in favor of owners and persons
interested in such real estate, for a period of not less than two years from such sales thereof.
And the general assembly shall provide by law for reasonable notice to be given to the
owners or parties interested, by publication or otherwise, of the fact of the sale of the prop¬
erty for such taxes or assessments, and when the time of redemption shall expire: Provided ,
that occupants shall in all cases be served with personal notice before the time of redemp¬
tion expires.
£ 6. The general assembly shall have no power to release or discharge any county, city,
township, town or district whatever, or the inhabitants thereof or the property therein, from
their or its proportionate share of taxes to be levied for State purposes, nor shall commuta¬
tion for such taxes he authorized in any form whatsoever.
£ 7. All taxes levied for State purposes shall be paid into the State treasury.
£ 8. County authorities shall never assess taxes the aggregate of which shall exceed 75
cents per $100 valuation, except for the payment of indebtedness existing at the adoption
of this constitution, unless authorized by a vote of the people of the county,
£ 9. The general assembly may vest the corporate authorities of cities, towns, villages,
with power to make local improvements by special assessment or by special taxation of con¬
tiguous property or otherwise. For all other corporate purposes, all municipal corporations
may be vested with authority to assess and collect taxes ; but such taxes shall be uniform in
respect to persons and property, with the jurisdiction of the body imposing the same.
$10. The general assembly shall not impose taxes upon municipal corporations, or the in¬
habitants or property thereof, for corporate purposes, but shall require that all the taxable
property within the limits of municipal corporations shall be taxed for the payment of debts
contracted under authority of law, such taxes to be uniform in respect to persons and prop¬
erty, within the jurisdiction of the body imposing the same. Private property shall not be
liable to be taken or sold for the payment of the corporate debts of a municipal corporation.
$11. No person who is in default, as a collector or custodian of money or property belong¬
ing to a municipal corporation, shall be eligible to any office in or under such corporation.
The fees, salary or compensation of no municipal officer who is elected or appointed for a
definite term of office, shall be increased or diminished during such term.
$ 12. No county, city, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall be
allowed to become indebted in any manner or for any purpose, to an amount, including ex¬
isting indebtedness, in the aggregate exceeding five per centum on the value of the taxable
property therein, to be ascertained by the last assessment for State and county taxes, previous
to the incurring of such indebtedness. Any county, city, school district, or other municipal
corporation, incurring any indebtedness as aforesaid, shall before, or at the time of doing
so, provide for the collection of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the interest on such
debt as it falls due, and also to pay and discharge the principal thereof within twenty years
from the time of contracting the same. This section shall not be construed to prevent any
county, city, township, school district, or other municipal corporation from issuing their
bonds in compliance with any vote of the people which may have been had prior to the
adoption of this constitution in pursuance of any law providing therefor.
ARTICLE VIII.
EDUCATION.
3 1. Free Schools Established. 3 4. School Officers not Interested.
| 2. Gifts or Grants in aid of Schools. 3 5. County Superintendent of Schools.
t 3. Public Schools not to be Sectarian.
£ I. The general assembly shall provide a thorough and efficient system of free schools,
whereby all children of this State may receive a good common school education.
jj 2. All lands, moneys, or other properties, donated, granted or received for school, col¬
lege, seminary or university purposes, and the proceeds thereof, shall be faithfully applied
to the objects for which such gifts or grants were made.
£ 3. Neither the general assembly nor any county, city, town, township, school district,
or other public corporation, shall ever make any appropriation or pay from any public fund
whatever, anything in aid of any church or sectarian purpose, or to help support or sustain
any school, academy, seminary, college, university, or other literary or scientific institution,
ARTICLE X.
COUNTIES.
3 i. Formation of New Counties.
3 2. Division of any County.
3 3. Territory stricken from a County.
3 4. Removal of a County Seat.
3 5. Method of County Government.
3 6. Board of County Commissioners.
3 7. County affairs in Cook County.
£ I . No new county shall be formed or established by the general assembly, which will
reduce the county or counties, or either of them, from which it shall be taken, to less con¬
tents than 400 square miles; nor shall any county be formed of less contents; nor shall any
line thereof pass within less than ten miles of any county seat of the county, or counties
proposed to be divided.
3 8. County Officers — Terms of Office,
3 9. Salaries and Fees in Cook County.
3 10. Salaries fixed by County Board.
3 11. Township Officers — Special Laws.
3 12. AH Future Fees Uniform.
3 13. Sworn Reports of all Fees.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
137
2 2. No county shall be divided, or have any part stricken therefrom, without submitting
the question to a vote of the people of the county, nor unless a majority of all the legal
voters of the county, voting on the question, shall vote for the same.
2 3- There shall be no territory stricken from any county, unless a majority of the voters
living in such territory shall petition for such division; and no territory shall be added to
any county without the consent of the majority of the voters of the county to which it is
proposed to be added. But the portion so stricken off and added to another county, or
formed in whole or in part into a new county, shall be holden for, and obliged to pay its
proportion of indebtedness of the county from which it has been taken.
COUNTY SEATS.
2 4. No county seat shall be removed until the point to which it is proposed to be removed
shall be fixed in pursuance of law, and three-fifths of the voters of the county, to be ascer¬
tained in such manner as shall be provided by general law, shall have voted in favor of its
removal to such point ; and no person shall vote on such question who has not resided in the
county six months, and in the election precinct ninety days next preceding such election.
The question of the removal of a county seat shall not be oftener submitted than once in
ten years, to a vote of the people. But when an attempt is made to remove the county seat
to a point nearer to the centre of a county, then a majority vote only shall be necessary.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
2 S- The general assembly shall provide, by general law, for township organization, under
which any county may organize whenever a majority of the legal voters of such county,
voting at any general election, shall so determine, and whenever any county shall adopt
township organization, so much of this constitution as provides for the management of the
fiscal concerns of the said county by the board of county commissioners, may be dispensed
with, and the affairs of said county may be transacted in such manner as the general assem¬
bly may provide. And in any county that shall have adopted a township organization, the
question of continuing the same may be submitted to a vote of the electors of such county,
at a general election, in the manner that now is or may be provided by law ; and if a ma¬
jority of all the votes cast upon that question shall be against township organization, then
such organization shall cease in said county; and all laws in force in relation to counties not
having township organization, shall immediately take effect and be in force in such county.
No two townships shall have the same name, and the day of holding the annual township
meeting shall be uniform throughout the State.
g 6. At the first election of county judges under this constitution, there shall be elected
in each of the counties in this State, not under township organization, three officers, who
shall be styled *• The board of county commissioners,” who shall hold sessions for the trans¬
action of county business as shall be provided by law. One of said commissioners shall
hold his office for one year, one for two years, and one for three years, to be determined by
lot ; and every year thereafter one such officer shall be elected in each of said counties for
the term of three years.
g 7. The county affairs of Cook county shall be managed by a board of commissioners of
fifteen persons, ten of whom shall be elected from the city of Chicago, and five from towns
outside of said city, in such manner as may be provided by law.
COUNTY OFFICERS AND THEIR COMPENSATION.
g 8. In each county there shall be elected the following county officers : County judge,
sheriff, county clerk, clerk of the circuit court, (who may be ex-officio recorder of deeds, ex¬
cept in counties having 60,000 and more inhabitants, in which counties a recorder of deeds
shall be elected at the general election in the year of our Lord 1872,) treasurer, surveyor,
and coroner, each of whom shall enter upon the duties of his office, respectively, on the first
Monday of December after their election; and they shall hold their respective offices for
the term of four years, except the treasurer, sheriff and coroner, who shall hold their office
for two years, and until their successors shall be elected and qualified.
g 9. The clerks of all the courts of record, the treasurer, sheriff, coroner and recorder of
deeds of Cook county, shall receive as their only compensation for their services, salaries to
be fixed by law, which shall in no case be as much as the lawful compensation of a judge of
the circuit court of said county, and shall be paid, respectively, only out of the fees of the
office actually collected. All fees, perquisites and emoluments (above the amount of said
salaries) shall be paid into the county treasury. The number of the deputies and assistants
of such officers shall be determined by rule of the circuit court, to be entered of record, and
their compensation shall be determined by the county board.
g 10. The county board, except as provided in § 9 of this article, shall fix the compensa¬
tion of all county officers, with the amount of their necessary clerk hire, stationery, fuel and
other expenses, and in all cases where fees are provided for, said compensation shall be paid
only out of, and shall in no instance exceed, the fees actually collected ; they shall not allow
either of them more per annum than $1, 500, in counties not exceeding 20,000 inhabitants ;
$2,000 in counties containing 20,000 and not exceeding 30,000 inhabitants ; $2,500 in coun¬
ties containing 30,000 and not exceeding 50,000 inhabitants; $3,000 in counties containing
50,000 and not exceeding 70,000 inhabitants ; $3,500 in counties containing 70,000 and not
exceeding 100,000 inhabitants ; and $4 000 in counties containing over 100,000 and not ex¬
ceeding 250,000 inhabitants ; and not more than $1,000 additional compensation for each ad¬
ditional 100,000 inhabitants : Provided , that the compensation of no officer shall be increased
or diminished during his term of office. All fees or allowances by them received, in excess
of their said compensation, shall be paid into the county treasury.
g 11. The fees of township officers, and of each class of county officers, shall be uniform
iu the class of counties to which they respectively belong. The compensation herein pro¬
vided for shall apply only to officers hereafter elected, but all fees established by special laws
shall cease at the adoption of this constitution, and such officers shall receive only such fees
as are provided by general law.
§ 12. All laws fixing the fees of State, county and township officers, shall terminate with
the terms, respectively, of those who' may be in office at the meeting of the first general
assembly after the adoption of this constitution ; and the general assembly shall, by general
law, uniform in its operation, provide for and regulate the fees of said officers and their suc¬
cessors, so as to reduce the same' to a reasonable compensation for services actually rendered.
But the general assembly may, by general law, classify the counties by population into not
more than three classes, and regulate the fees according to class. This article shall not be
construed as depriving the general assembly of the power to reduce the fees of existing
officers.
g 13. Every person who is elected or appointed to any office in this State, who shall be
paid in whole or in part by fees, shall be required by law to make a semi-annual report, under
oath to some officer to be designated by law, of all his fees and emoluments.
ARTICLE XI.
CORPORATIONS.
3 9. Railroad Office — Books and Records.
3 10. Personal Property of Railroads,
jj 11. Consolidations Forbidden.
| 12. Railroads deemed Highways — Rates Fixed,
jj 13. Stocks, Bonds and Dividends,
jj 14. Power over existing Companies,
| 15. Freight and Passenger Tariff regulated.
g i. No corporation shall be created by special laws, or its charter extended, changed or
amended, except those for charitable, educational, penal or reformatory purposes, which are
to be and remain under the patronage and control of the State, but the general assembly
shall provide, by general law, for the organization of all corporations hereafter to be created.
g 2 All existing charters or grants of special or exclusive privileges, under which organi¬
zation shall not have taken place, or which shall not have been in operation within ten days
from the time this constitution takes effect, shall thereafter have no validity or effect what¬
ever.
g 3. The general assembly shall provide, by law, that in all elections for directors or
managers of incorporated companies, every stockholder shall have the right to vote, in person
or by proxy, for the number of shares of stock owned by him, for as many persons as there are
directors or managers to be elected, or to cumulate said shares, and give one candidate as
many votes as the number of directors multiplied by the number of his shares of stock, shall
equal, or to distribute them on the same principle among as many candidates as he shall
think fit; and such directors or managers shall not be elected in any other manner.
jj 4. No laws shall be passed by the general assembly, granting the right to construct and
operate a street railroad within any city, town, or incorporated village, without requiring the
consent of the local authorities having the control of the street or highway proposed to be
occupied by such street railroad.
BANKS.
g 5. No State bank shall hereafter be created, nor shall the State own or be liable for any
stock in any corporation or joint stock company or association for banking purposes, now
created, or to be hereafter created. No act of the general assembly authorizing or creating
corporations or asssociations, whh banking powers, whether of issue, deposit or discount, nor
amendments thereto, shall go into effect or in any manner be in force unless the same shall
be submitted to a vote of the people at the general election next succeeding the passage of
the same, and be approved by a majority of all the votes cast at such election for or against
such law.
jj 6. Every stockholder in a banking corporation or institution shall be individually respon¬
sible and liable to its creditors over and above the amount of stock by him or her held, to
an amount equal to his or her respective shares so held, for all its liabilities accruing while
he or she remains such a stockholder.
jj 7. The suspension of specie payments by banking institutions, or their circulation,
created by the laws of this State, shall never be permitted or sanctioned. Every banking
association now, or which may hereafter be, organized under the the laws of this State, shall
make and publish a full and accurate quarterly statement of its affairs, (which shall be cer¬
tified to, under oath, by one or more of its officers,) as may be provided by law.
jj 8. If a general banking law shall be enacted, it shall provide for the registry and counter¬
signing, by an officer of state, of all bills or paper credit, designed to circulate as money,
and require security, to the full amount thereof, to be deposited with the State treasurer, in
United States or Illinois State stocks, to be rated at ten per cent, below their par value;
and in case of a depreciation of said stocks to the amount of ten per cent, below par, the
bank or banks owning said stocks shall be required to make up said deficiency, by deposit¬
ing additional stocks. And said law shall also provide for the recording of the names of
all stockholders in such corporations, the amount of stock held by each, the time of any
transfer thereof, and to whom such transfer is made.
RAILROADS.
g 9. Every railroad corporation organized or doing business in this State, under the laws
or authority thereof, shall have and maintain a public office or place in this State for the
transaction of its business, where transfers of stock shall be made, and in which shall be
kept for public inspection, books, in which shall be recorded the amount of capital stock sub¬
scribed, and by whom ; the names of the owners of stock and amount by them respectively,
the amount of stock paid in and by whom, the transfers of said stock ; the amount of its assets
and liabilities, and the names and place of residence of its officers. The directors of every
railroad corporation shall, annually, make a report, under oath, to the auditor of public ac¬
counts, or some officer to be designated by law, of all their acts and doings, which report shall
include such matters relating to railroads as may be prescribed by law. And the general
assembly shall pass laws enforcing by suitable penalties the provisions of this section.
g 10. The rolling stock, and all other movable property belonging to any railroad company
or corporation in this State, shall be considered personal property, and shall be liable to ex¬
ecution and sale in the same manner as the personal, property of individuals, and the gen¬
eral assembly shall pass no law exempting any such property from execution and sale.
jj 11. No railroad corporation shall consolidate its stock, property or franchises with any
other railroad corporation owning a parallel or competing line ; and in no case shall any
consolidation take place except upon public notice given, of at least sixty days, to all stock¬
holders, in such manner as may be provided by law. A majority of the directors of any
railroad corporation, now incorporated or hereafter to be incorporated by the laws of the
State, shall be citizens and residents of this State.
jj 12. Railways heretofore constructed, or that may hereafter be constructed in this State,
are hereby declared public highways, and shall be free to all persons for the transportation of
their persons and property thereon, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law.
And the general assembly shall, from time to time, pass laws establishing reasonable maxi¬
mum rates of charges for the transportation of passengers and freight on the different rail¬
roads in this State.
jj 13. No railroad corporation shall issue any stock or bonds, except for money, labor or
property, actually received, and applied to the purposes for which such corporation was
created; and all stock dividends, and other fictitious increase of the.capital stock or indebt¬
edness of any such corporation, shall be void. The capital stock of no railroad corporation
shall be increased for any purpose, except upon giving sixty days’ public notice, in such man¬
ner as may be provided by law.
g 14. The exercise of the power, and the right of eminent domain shall never be so con¬
strued or abridged as to prevent the taking, by thejgeneral assembly, of the property and
franchises of incorporated companies already organized, and subjecting them to the public
necessity the same as of individuals. The right of trial by jury shall be held inviolate in
all trials of claims for compensation, when, in the exercise of the said right of eminent do¬
main, any incorporated company shall be interested either for or against the exercise of said
right.
§ 15. The general assembly shall pass laws to correct abuses and prevent unjust discrimin¬
ation and extortion in the rates of freight and passenger tariffs on different railroads in
this State, and enforce such laws, by adequate penalties, to the extent, if necessary for that
purpose, of forfeiture of their property and franchises.
ARTICLE XII.
MILITIA.
1. Persons composing the Militia. | 3 4. Privilege from Arrest.
2. Organization— Equipment— Discipline. 3 5- Records, Banners and Relics.
3. Commissions of Officers. ' ( 5. Exemption from militia duty. ,
g I. The militia of the State of Illinois shall consist of all able-bodied male persons, resi¬
dent in the State, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, except such persons as now
are, or hereafter may be, exempted by the laws of the United^States, or of this State. J
1. Established only by General Laws.
2. Existing Charters — How Forfeited.
3. Election of Directors or Managers.
4. Construction of Street Railroads.
5. Slate Bank Forbidden — General Law.
6. Liability of Bank Stockholder.
7. Suspension of Specie Payment.
8. Of a General Banking Law.
138
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
§ 2. The general assembly, in providing for the organization, equipment and discipline of
the militia, shall conform as nearly as practicable to the regulations for the government of
the armies of the United States.
g 3. All militia officers shall be commissioned by the governor, and may hold their com¬
missions for such times as the general assembly may provide.
| 4. The militia shall, in all cases, except treason, felony or breach of the peace, be privi¬
leged from arrest during their attendance at musters and elections, and in going to and re¬
turning from the same.
5. The military records, banners and relics of the State, shall be preserved as an endur¬
ing memorial of the patriotism and valor of Illinois, and it shall be the duty of the general
assembly to provide by law for the safe keeping of the same.
6. No person having conscientious scruples against bearing arms, shall be compelled to
do militia duty in time of peace: Provided, such person shall pay an equivalent for such ex¬
emption.
ARTICLE XIII.
WAREHOUSES.
3 1. What deemed Public Warehouses.
3 2. Sworn weekly statements required.
3 3. Examination of properly stored.
\ 4. Carriers to deliver full Weight. .
3 5. Delivery of Grain by Railroads.
3 6. Power and Duty of the Legislature.
3 -7- Grain Inspection— Protection of Dealers.
j I. All elevators or storehouses where gVain or other property is stored for a compensation,
whether the property stored be kept separate or not, are declared to be public warehouses.
I 2. The owner, lessee or manager of each and every public warehouse situated in any
town or city of not less than 100,000 inhabitants, shall make weekly statements under oath,
before some officer to be designated by law, and keep the same posted in some conspicuous
place in the office of such warehouse, and shall also file a copy for public examination in
such place as shall be designated by law, which statement shall correctly set forth the amount
and grade of each and every kind of grain in such warehouse, together with such other
property as may be stored therein, and what warehouse receipts have been issued, and are,
at the time of making such statement, outstanding therefor ; and shall, on the copy posted in
the warehouse, note daily such changes as may be made in the quantity and grade of grain
in such warehouse ; and the different grades of grain shipped in separate lots, shall not be
mixed with inferior or superior grades, without the consent of the owner or consignee there¬
of.
3 3. The owners of property stored in any warehouse, or holder of a receipt for the same,
shall always be at liberty to examine such property stored, and all the books and records of
the warehouse in regard to such property.
\ 4. All railroad companies and other common carriers on railroads shall weigh or measure
grain at points where it is shipped, and receipt for the full amount, and shall be responsible
for the delivery of such amount to the owner or consignee thereof, at the place of destina¬
tion.
\ 5- All railroad companies receiving and transporting grain in bulk or otherwise, shall
deliver the same to any consignee thereof, or any elevator or public warehouse to which it
may be consigned, provided such consignee, or the elevator or public warehouse can be
reached by any track owned, leased or used, or which can be used, by such railroad com¬
panies ; and all railroad companies shall permit connections to be made with their track, so
that any such consignee; and any public warehouse, coal bank or coal yard, may be reached
by the cars on said railroad.
3 6. It shall be the duty of the general assembly to pass all necessary laws to prevent the
issue of false and fraudulent warehouse receipts, and to give full effect to this article of the
constitution, which shall be liberally construed so as to protect producers and shippers.
And the enumeration of the remedies herein named shall not be construed to deny to the
general assembly the power to prescribe by law such other and further remedies as may be
found expedient, or to deprive any person of existing common law remedies.
§ 7. The general assembly shall pass laws for the inspection of grain, for the protection of
producers, shippers and receivers of grain and produce.
ARTICLE XIV.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION.
3 1. By a Constitutional Convention. | 3 2. Proposed by the Legislature.
1 . Whenever two-thirds of the members of each house of the general assembly shall, by
a vote entered upon the journals thereof, concur that a convention is necessary to revise,
alter or amend the constitution, the question shall be submitted to the electors at the next
general election. If a majority voting at the election vote for a convention, the general
assembly shall, at the next session, provide for a convention, to consist of double the num¬
ber of the members of the senate, to be elected in the same manner, at the same places, and
in the same districts. The general assembly shall, in the act calling the convention, desig¬
nate the day, hour and place of its meeting, fix the pay of its members and officers, and
provide for the payment of the same, together with expenses necessarily incurred by the con¬
vention in the performance of its duties. Before proceeding, the members shall take an oath
to support the constitution of the United States, and of the State of Illinois, and to faith¬
fully discharge their duties as members of the convention. The qualification of members
shall be the same as that of members of the senate, and vacancies occurring shall be filled
in the manner provided for filling vacancies in the general assembly. Said convention shall
meet within three months after such election, and prepare such revisions, alterations or
amendments of the constitution as shall be deemed necessary, which shall be submitted to
the electors for their ratification or rejection, at an election appointed by the convention for
that purpose, not less than or more than six months after the adjournment thereof ; and un¬
less so submitted and approved by a majority of the electors voting at the election, no such
revisions, alterations or amendments shall take effect.
2. Amendments to this constitution may be proposed in either house of the general as¬
sembly, and if the same shall be voted for by two-thirds of all the members elected to each
of the two houses, such proposed amendments, together with the yeas and nays of each
house thereon, shall be entered in full on their respective journals, and said amendments
shall be submitted to the electors of this State for adoption or rejection, at the next election
of members of the general assembly, in such manner as may be prescribed by law. The
proposed amendments shall be published in full at least three months preceeding the election,
and if a majority of electors voting at said election shall vote for the proposed amendments,
they shall become a part of this constitution. But the general assembly shall have no power
to propose amendments to more than one article of this constitution at the same session, nor to
the same article oftner than once in four years.
SEPARATE SECTIONS.
IU n'iis Central Railroad. I Municipal Subscription to Corporations.
Illinois and Michigan Canal. t
No contract, obligation or liability whatever, of the Illinois Central Railroad Company,
to pay any money into the State treasury, nor any lien of the State upon, or right to tax pro¬
perty of said company, in accordance with the provisions of the charter of said company, ap¬
proved Feb. 10, in the year of our Lord 1851, shall ever be released, suspended, modified,
altered, remitted, or in any manner diminished or impaired by legislative or other authority ;
and all moneys derived from said company, after the payment of the State debt, shall be ap¬
propriated and set apart for the payment of the ordinary expenses of the State government,
and for no other purposes whatever.
MUNICIPAL SUBSCRIPTIONS TO RAILROADS OR PRIVATE CORPORATIONS.
No county, city, town, township or other municipality, shall ever become subscriber to the
capital stock of any railroad or private corporation, or make donation to, or loan its credit
in aid of such corporation : Provided , however, that the adoption of this article shall not
be construed as affecting the right of any such municipality to make such subscriptions where
the same have been authorized, under existing laws, by a vote of the people of such munici¬
palities prior to such adoption.
CANAL.
The Illinois and Michigan Canal shall never be sold or leased until the specific proposi¬
tion for the sale or lease thereof shall have first been submitted to a vote of the people of
the State, at a general election, and have been approved by a majority of all the votes
polled at such election. The general assembly shall never loan the credit of the State, or
make appropriations from the treasury thereof, in aid of railroads or canals : Provided,
that any surplus earnings of any canal may be appropriated for its enlargement or extension.
SCHEDULE.
3 1. Laws in force remain valid. I 3 4- Present county Courts continued.
3 2. Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures. | 5. All existing Courts continued.
3 3. Recognizances, Bonds, Obligations. | § 6. Persons now in Office continued.
That no inconvenience may arise from the alterations and amendments made in the constitution of this
State, and to carry the same into complete effect, it is hereby ordained and declared :
\ I. That all laws in force at the adoption of this constitution, not inconsistent therewith,
and all rights, actions, prosecutions, claims, and contracts of th’s State, individuals, or bodies
corporate, shall continue to be as valid as if this constitution had not been adopted.
I 2. That all fines, taxes, penalties and forfeitures, due and owing to the State of Illinois
under the present constitution and laws, shall insure to the use of the people of the State of
Illinois, under this constitution.
$ 3. Recognizances, bonds, obligations, and all other instruments entered into or executed
before the adoption of this constitution, to the people of the State of Illinois, to any State
or county officer or public body, shall remain binding and valid; and rights and liabilities
upon the same shall continue, and all crimes and misdemeanors shall l>e tried and punished
as though no change had been made in the constitution of this State.
g 4. County courts for the transaction of county business in counties not having adopted
township organization, shall continue in existence and exercise their present jurisdiction
until the board of county commissioners provided in this constitution is organized in pur¬
suance of an act of the general assembly ; and the county courts in all other counties shall
have the same power and jurisdiction they now possess until otherwise provided by general
law.
g 5. All existing courts which are not in this constitution specially enumerated, shall con¬
tinue in existence and exercise their present jurisdiction until otherwise provided by law.
$ 6. All persons now filling any office or appointment shall continue in the exercise of the
duties thereof according to their respective commissions or appointments, unless by this
constitution it is otherwise directed.
**** **********
g 18. All laws of the State of Illinois, and all official writings, and the executive, legisla¬
tive and judicial proceedings, shall be conducted, preserved and published in no other than
the English language.
\ 19. The general assembly shall pass all laws necessary to carry into effect the provisions
of this constitution.
$ 20. The circuit clerks of the different counties having a population over sixty thousand,
shall continue to be recorders (ex-officio) for their respective counties, under this constitu¬
tion, until the expiration of their respective terms.
21. The judges of all courts of record in Cook County shall, in lieu of any salary pro¬
vided for in this constitution, receive the compensation now provided by law until the ad¬
journment of the first session of general assembly after the adoption of this constitution.
$ 22. The present judge of the circuit court of Cook county shall continue to hold the
circuit court of Lake county until otherwise provided by law.
jj 23. When this constitution shall be adopted, and take effect as the supreme law of the
State of Illinois, the two-mill tax provided to be annually assessed and collected upon each
dollar’s worth of taxable property, in addition to all other taxes, as set forth in article fifteen
of the now existing constitution, shall cease to be assessed after the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and seventy.
\ 24. Nothing contained in this constitution shall be so construed as To deprive the genera
assembly of the power to authorize the city of Quincy to create any indebtedness for rail¬
road or municipal purposes, for which the people of said city shall have voted, and to which
they shall have given, by such vote, their assent, prior to the thirteenth day of December, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine : Provided, that no such
indebtedness, so created, shall in any part thereof be paid by the State, or from any State
revenue, tax or fund, but the same shall be paid, if at all, by the said city of Quincy alone,
and by taxes to be levied upon the taxable property thereof: And provided, further, that
the general assembly shall have no power in the premises that it could not exercise under
the present constitution of this State.
(J 25. In case this constitution and the articles and sections submitted separately be adopt¬
ed, the existing constitution shall cease in all its provisions ; and in case this constitution
be adopted, and any one or more of its articles or sections submitted separately be defeated,
the provisions of the existing constitution (if any) on the same subject shall remain in
force.
g 26. The provisions of this constitution required to be executed prior to the adoption or
rejection thereof shall take effect and be in force immediately.
Done in convention at the capital, in the city of Springfield, on the thirteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy, and of the inde¬
pendence of the United States of America the ninety-fourth.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names :
CHARLES HITCHCOCK, President.
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY , ILLINOIS.
139
William J. Allen,
John Abbott,
James C. Allen,
Elliott Anthony,
Wm. R. Archer,
Henry I. Atkins,
James G. Bayne,
R. M. Benjamin,
H. P. H. Brownwell,
O. H. Browning,
Wm. G. Bowman,
Silas L. Bryon,
H. P. Buxton,
Daniel Cameron,
- William Cary,
Lawrence S. Church,
Hiram H. Cody,
W. F. Coolbaugh,
Alfred M. Craig,
Robert J. Cross,
Samuel P. Cummings,
John Dement,
G. S. Eldridge,
James W. English,
David Ellis,
Ferris Forman,
Robert A. King,
Jas. McCoy,
Charles E. McDowell,
William C. Goodhue,
Joseph Medill,
Clifton H. Moore,
Jonathan Merriam,
Joseph Parker,
Samuel C. Parks,
Peleg S. Perley,
J. S. Poage,
Edward Y. Rice,
James P. Robinson,
Lewis W. Ross,
William P. Pierce,
N. J. Pillsbury,
Jno. Scholfield,
James M. Sharp,
Henry Sherrell,
Wm. H. Snyder,
O. C. Skinner,
Westel W. Sedgwick,
Charles F. Springer,
John L. Tincher,
C. Truesdale,
Henry Tubbs,
Jesse C. Fox,
Miles A. Fuller,
John P. Gamble,
Addison Goodell,
John C. Haines,
Elijah M. Haines,
John W. Hankins,
R. P. Hanna,
Joseph Hart,
Abel Harwood,
Milton Hay,
Samuel Snowden Hayes,
Jesse S. Hildrup,
Thomas J. Turner,
Wm. H. Underwood,
Wm. L. Vandeventer,
Henry W. Wells,
George E. Wait,
George W. Wall,
R. B. Sutherland,
D. C. Wagner,
George R. Wendling,
Chas. Wheaton,
L. D. Whiting,
John H. Wilson,
Orlando H. Wright.
Attest : — John Q. Harmon, Secretary.
Daniel Shepard, First Assistant Secretary.
A. H. Swain, Second Assistant Secretary.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
STATE OF ILLINOIS.
Office of Secretary.
I, Georgb H. Harlow, Secretary of the State of Illinois, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true
copy of the constitution of the State of Illinois adopted in conven-ion the 13th day of May, 1870, ratified by
a vote of the people the 2th day of July, 1870, and in force on the 8th day of August, 1870, and now on file in
th s office. In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the Great Seal of State, at the city of
Springfield, this 31st day of March, A. D. 1873.
GEO. H. HARLOW, Secretary of State.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the
political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers
of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God
entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare
the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal ; that they are en¬
dowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights ; that among these are life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men,
deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed ; that, whenever any form of
government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abol¬
ish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and
organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and
happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be
changed for light and transient causes ; and, accordingly, all experience hath shown that
mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by
abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when along train of abuses and
usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under ab¬
solute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty to throw off such government, and to provide
new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies,
and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of govern¬
ment. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and
usurpations, all 'having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these
States. To prove this let facts be submitted to a candid world :
He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary for the public
good.
He has forbidden his Governors' to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless
suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained ; and when so suspended, he
has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless
those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature ; a right inestima¬
ble to them, and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from
the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance
with his measures.
He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly for opposing, with manly firmness, his
invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused, for a long time after such dissolution, to cause others to be elected ;
whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at
large for their exercise ; the State remaining, in the meantime, exposed to all the danger
of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States ; for that purpose, obstructing
the laws for naturalization of foreigners ; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration
hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.
He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for estab¬
lishing judiciary powers.
He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the
amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our
people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our
legislature.
He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the civil power.
He has combined, with others, to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution,
and unacknowledged by our laws ; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation.
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us.
For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment, for any murders which they
should commit on the inhabitants of these States.
For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world :
For imposing taxes on us without our consent :
For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury :
For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences :
For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing
therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an
example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies :
For taking away our.charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundament¬
ally, the powers of our governments:
For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to
legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection, and waging war
against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives
of our people.
He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the work
of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun, with circumstances of cruelty and-perfidy
scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized
nation.
He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to bear arms
against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall
themselves by their hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavered to bring on the
inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an
undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions.
In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for redress, in the most humble
terms; our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince,
whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the
ruler of a free people.
Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them
from time to time, of attempts made by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdic¬
tion over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement
here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured
them, by the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which would inevit¬
ably interrupt our conn;ctions and correspondence. They, too, have been deaf to the voice
of justice and consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces
our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace,
friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GEN¬
ERAL CONGRESS assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the
rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these
colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought
to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all allegiance
to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great
Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that, as FREE AND INDEPENDENT
STATES, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish
commerce, and to do all other acts and things which INDEPENDENT STATES may of
right do. And, for the support of this declaration, and a firm reliance on the protection of
DIVINE PROVIDENCE, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and
our sacred honor.
JOHN HANCOCK.
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice)
insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare,
and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish
this Constitution for the United States of America.
ARTICLE I.
Section i. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the
United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Section 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of members chosen every
second year by the people of the several States, and the electors in each State shall have the
qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State Legislature.
No person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the age of twenty-five
years, and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected,
be an inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.
Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may
be included within this Union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be deter¬
mined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for
a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The
actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress
of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they
shall by law direct. The number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty
thousand, but each State shall have at least one Representative ; and until such enumeration
shall be made, the State of New Hamphsire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts
eight, Rhode Island and Providtnce Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New
JerSev four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia, ten, North Carolina
five, and Georgia three.
When vacancies happen in the representation from any State, the Executive authority
thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies.
The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other officers, and shall have
the sole power of impeachment.
Section 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each
State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six years ; and each Senator shall have one
vote.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first election, they shall
be divided as equally as may be into three classes. The seats of the Senators of the first
class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the second class at the expira¬
tion of the fourth year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-
third may be chosen every second year ; and if vacancies happen by resignation, or otherwise,
during the recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary
appointments until the next meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies.
No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age of thirty years, and
been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhab¬
itant of that State for which he shall be chosen.
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have
no vote unless they be equally divided.
The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the
absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the office of President of the United
States.
The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When sitting for that
purpose they shall he on oath or affirmation. When the President of the United States is
tried, the Chief Justice shall preside. And no person shall be convicted without the con¬
currence of two-thirds of the members present.
Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office,
and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United
States : but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial,
judgment and punishment according to law.
Section 4. The times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Represent¬
atives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at
any time by law, make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing
Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be on
the first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.
Section 3. Each house shall be the judge of the election, returns and qualifications of its
own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller
number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of
absent members in such manner, and under such penalties as each house may provide.
Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly
behaviour, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.
Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the
same, excepting such parts as may in their judgment require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays
of the memlxrs of either house on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those
present, be entered on the journal.
Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other,
adjourn lor more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two houses
shall be sitting.
Section 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compensation for their ser¬
vices, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They
shall in all cases, except treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest
during their attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and return¬
ing from the same ; and for any speech or debate in either house they shall not be questioned
in any other place.
No Senator or Representative shall, during the timefor which he was elected, be appointed
to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which shall have been created,
or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no person
140
holding any office under the United States, shall be a member of either house during his
continuance in office.
Section 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives ;
but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other bills.
Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall
before it becomes a law, be presented to the President of the United States ; if he approve
he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it with his objections to that house in which it shall
have originated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to
reconsider it. If after such reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the
bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by&which it shall
likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of that House, it shall become a
law. But in all such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined ’by yeas and nays,
and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the journal
of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days
(Sundays excepted), after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in
like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their adjournment prevent its
return, in which case it shall not be a law.
Every order, resolution or vote to which the concurrence of the Senate and House of Rep¬
resentatives may be necessary (except on a question of adjournment), shall be presented to
the President of the United States ; and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved
by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the Senate and
House of Representatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case of a
bill.
Section 8. The Congress shall have power —
To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the
common defense and general welfare of the United States ; but all duties, imposts and excises
shall be uniform throughout the United States ;
To borrow money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several States, and with the
Indian tribes. ;
To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankrupt¬
cies throughout the United States ;
To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of
weights and measures ;
To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the
United States;
To establish post-offices and post-roads ;
To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors
and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries;
To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court;
To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offences
against the law of nations ;
To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures
on land and water ;
To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a
longer term than two years;
To provide and maintain a navy ;
To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;
To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insur¬
rections and repel invasions ;
To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and for governing such
part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the States,
respectively the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the milita according
to the discipline prescribed by Congress.
To exercise legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such district (not exceeding ten miles
square), as may by the cession of particular States and the acceptance of Congress, become
the seat of the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places
purchased by the consent of the Legislature of the State in which the same shall be, for the
erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock-yards and other needful buildings; — and
To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the
foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the
United States, or in any department or officer thereof.
SECTION 9. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the States now exist¬
ing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the year
one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importa¬
tion, not exceeding ten dollars for each persons.
The privileges of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases
of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.
No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed.
No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid unless in proportion to the census, or enu¬
meration herein before directed to be taken.
No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any State.
No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce oj- revenue to the ports of one
State over those of another; nor shall vessels bound to, or from one State, be obliged to
enter, clear, or pay duties in another.
No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made
by law ; and a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public
money shall be published from time to time.
No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States; and no person holding any
office of profit or trust under them, shall without the consent of the Congress, accept of any
present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign
State.
Section 10. No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters
of marque or reprisal ; coin money ; emit bills of credit ; make anything but gold and silver
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY \ ILLINOIS.
141
coin a tender in payment of debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law im¬
pairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.
No State shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports
or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection laws, and
the net produce of all duties and imposts laid by any State on imports or exports, shall be
for the use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the
revision and control of the Congress.
No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty on tonnage, keep troops
or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another State,
or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent
danger as will not admit of delay.
ARTICLE II.
Section i. The Executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of
America. He^shall hold his office during the term of four years, and, together with the
Vice President chosen for the same term, be elected as follows :
Each State shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a number
of electors, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which the State
may be entitled in the Congress; but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an
office of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed an elector.
[*The electors shall m eet in their respective States and vote by ballot for two persons,
of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they
shall make a list of all persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which list
they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed to the seat of the government of the United
States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the
presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes
shall then be counted. The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the Presi¬
dent, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if there
be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then the
House of Representatives shall immediately choose by ballot one of them for President ; and
if no person have a majority, then from the five highest on the list the said House shall in
like manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the vote shall be taken
by States, the representation from each State having one vote; a quorum for this purpose,
shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the States, and a majority of all the
States shall be necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the President, the
person having the greatest number of votes of the electors shall be the Vice President. But
if there should remain two or more who have equal votes the Senate shall choose from them
by ballot the Vice President.]
The Congress may determine the time of choosing the electors, and the day on which
they shall give their votes; which day shall be the same throughout the United States.
No pesron except a natural born citizen, o'r a citizen of the United States at the time of
the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any
person be eligible to that office Who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five years, and
been fourteen years a resident within the United States.
In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, resignation or inability
to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the Vice
President, and the Congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation,
or inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what officer shall then act
as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed, or a
President shall be elected.
The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation which shall
neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected,
and he shall not receive within that period any other emolument from the United States, or
any of them.
Before he enter on the execution of his office he shall take the following oath or affirma-
diclion, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the
Congress shall make.
The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury ; and such trial
shall be held in the State where the said crimes shall have been committed; but when not
committed within any State, the trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress may
by law have directed.
SECTION 3. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against
them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be
convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on
confession in open court.
The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, but no attainder of
treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture except during the lire of the pefson
attainted.
ARTICLE IV.
Section i. Full faith and credit shall be given in each State to the public acts, records,
and judicial proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general laws pre¬
scribe the manner in which such acts, records and proceedings shall be proved and the effect
thereof.
Section 2. The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of
citizens in the several States.
A person charged in any State with treason, felony or other crime, who shall flee from
justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the Executive authority of the
State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having jurisdiction of
the crime.
No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into
another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such
service or labor, but shall be delivered up on the claim of the party to whom such service or
labor may be due.
SECTION 3. New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union ; but no new
State shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other State : nor any State be
formed by the junction of two or more States, or parts of States, without the consent of the
Legislatures of the States concerned, as well as of the Congress.
The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needfnl rules and regulations
respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States ; and nothing in
this Constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the United States, or of
any particular State.
Section 4. The United States shall guarantee 10 every State in this Union a Republican
form of government, and shall protect each of them against invasion, and on application of
the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against do¬
mestic violence.
ARTICLE V.
The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose
amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the Legislatures of two-thirds of
the several States, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case,
shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the
Legislatures of three-fourths of the several States, or by conventions in three-fourths thereof,
as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress. Provided
that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and
eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first
article; and that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the
Senate.
ARTICLE VI.
tion :
‘‘ I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of
the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Con¬
stitution of the United States.”
Section 2. The President shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the
United States, and of the militia of the several States, when called into the actual service of
the United States; he may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of
the Executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices,
and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United
States, except in cases of impeachment.
He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties,
provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with
the advice of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, ohter public ministers and consuls,
judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States whose appoint¬
ments are not herein otherwise provided tor, and which shall be established by law ; but
the Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers as they think
proper in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments.
The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess
of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next sessions.
SECTION 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the
Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and
expedient; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them,
and in case of disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may
adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive ambassadors and other
public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commis¬
sion all the officers of the United States.
Section 4. The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall
be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other
high crimes and misdemeanors.
ARTICLE III.
Section i. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court
and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.
The judges, both of the Supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good be¬
haviour, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not
be diminished during their continuance in office.
SECTION 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising
under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall be
made, under their authority ; — to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and
consuls; — to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; — to controversies to which
the United States shall be a party ;— to controversies between two or more States ;— between
a State and citizens of another State ; — between citizens of different States ; — between citi¬
zens of the same State claiming lands under grants of different States, and between a State,
or the citizens thereof, and foreign States, citizens or subjects.
In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which
a State shall be a party, the Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction.
In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate juris-
*This clause within brackets has been superceded and annulled by the 12th amendment.
All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitu¬
tion, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the
Confederation.
This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance
thereof, and all treaties made or which shall be made, under the authority of the United
States, shall be the supreme law of the land ; and the judges in every State shall be bound
thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several
State Legislatures, and all Executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of
the several States, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution ; but
no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under
the United States.
ARTICLE VII.
The ratification of the Conventions of nine States shall be sufficient for the establishment
of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the same.
Done in Convention by the unanimous consent of the States present, the seventeenth day
of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven,
and of the Independence of the United States of America, the twelfth. In Witness
Whereof, We have hereunto subscribed our names.
New Hampshire.
John Langdon,
Nicholas Gilman.
Massachusetts.
Nathaniel Gorham,
Rufus King.
Connecticut.
Wm. Saml. Johnson,
Roger Sherman.
New York.
Alexander Hamilton.
New Jersey.
Wil. Livingston,
Wm. Patterson,
David Brearly,
Jona. Dayton.
Attest :
GEO. WASHINGTON,
President and Deputy from Virginia.
Pennsylvania .
B. Franklin,
Robt. Morris.
Tho. Fitzsimons,
James Wilson,
Thomas Mifflin,
Geo. Clymf.r,
ared Ingersoll,
Gouv. Morris.
Maryland.
James M’Henry,
Danl. Carroll;
Dan. of St. Thos. Jenifer.
North Carolina.
Wm. Blount,
Hu. Williamson,
Rich’d Dobbs Spaight.
Delaware.
Gf.o. Read,
John Dickinson,
Jaco. Broom,
Gunning Bedford, Jr.,
Richard Bassett.
I irginia.
John Blair,
James Madison, Jr.
South Carolina.
J. Rutledge,
Charles PinckneV,
Chas. Cotesworth Pinckney,
Pierce Butler.
Georgia.
William Few,
Abr. Baldwin.
WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
Proposed by
Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several Slates, pursuant to the fifth article of the original Constitution.
ARTICLE I.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press ; or the right of the
people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
ARTICLE II.
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the
people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
ARTICLE III.
No soldier shall in time of peace be quartered in any house without the consent of the
owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
ARTICLE IV.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against
unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but
upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place
to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
ARTICLE V.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a
presentment or indictment by a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces,
or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any per¬
son be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be
compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty,
or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use,
without just compensation.
ARTICLE VI.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial,
by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed,
which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the
nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to
have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of
counsel for his defense.
ARTICLE VII.
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the
right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise
re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common
law.
ARTICLE VIII.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual
punishment inflicted.
ARTICLE IX.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or
disparage others retained by the people.
ARTICLE X.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to
the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
ARTICLE XI.
The judicial power of the United Slates shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law
or equity commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of another
State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign State.
ARTICLE XII.
The electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by ballot lor President and
Vice President, one of whom at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same State with them¬
selves; they shall name in their ballots the person to be voted for as President, and in
142
distinct ballots the persons voted for as Vice President, and they shall make distinct lists
of all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice President, and of
the number of votes for each, which list they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to
the seat of government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The
President of the Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open
all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest
number of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the
whole number of electors appointed ; and if no person have such majority, then from the
persons having the highest number not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as
President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President.
But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by States, the representation from
each State having one vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members
from two-thirds of the States, and a majority of all the States shall be necessary to a choice.
And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice
shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice
President shall act as President, as in the case of the death or other Constitutional disability
of the President. The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice President, shall
be the Vice President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed,
and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate
shall choose the Vice President ; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the
whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a
choice. But no person Constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible
to that of Vice President of the United States.
ARTICLE XIII.
Section I. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a puuishment for crime,
whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or
any place subject to their jurisdiction.
Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
ARTICLE XIV.
Section i. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the ju¬
risdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, and of the State wherein they reside.
No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of
citizens of the United States ; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or
property without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal
protection of the laws.
Section 2. Representatives shall be appointed among the several States according to
their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding
Indians not taxed ; but when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for
President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the executive
and judicial officers of a State or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of
the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age and citizens of the United
States, or in any way abridged except for participation in rebellion or other crimes, the basis
of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male
citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such
State.
Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress or elector of
President and Vice President, or hold any office civil or military, under the United States or
under any State who, having previously taken an oath as a Member of Congress, or as an
officer of the United States, or as a member of any State Legislature, or as an executive or
judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have
engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies
thereof. But Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of each house, remove such disability.
Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States authorized by law,
including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing
insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any
State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in the aid of insurrection or rebel¬
lion against the United States, or any loss or emancipation of any slave, but -such debts,
obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.
Section 5. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the
provisions of this article.
ARTICLE XV.
Section i. The rights of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or
abridged by the United States on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
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